Shirasu are immature white fish that are a staple in the Japanese diet. They swim together in large schools and not difficult for fishermen to scoop out of the ocean in large quantities. One fisherman on television recently said he can catch 150kg (330 lbs.) of shirasu in a single outing. Shirasu can be eaten raw or boiled, or dried as a condiment. In the Shonan area of Yokohama, shirasu is a popular meal in season over rice, sometimes with another type of fish, dried seaweed and soy sauce. You may not relish the idea of eating baby fish whole, but shirasu has a balanced flavor that many people enjoy.