At Sumiyaki Unafuji , our chefs hand-grill the eels over charcoal fires that reach temperatures of nearly 1000 degrees. Thanks to the skilled eye and technique of our chefs, as well as the powerful heat, we are able to grill even large eels right down to the bone.
Naturally, we are particular about the eel we use, and we always use carefully selected "blue eel."
It is said that only 20-30% of all farmed eels in Japan can survive as "blue eels," and their plump bodies have a bluish tint. Unafuji is particular about purchasing "3P size eels (approximately 330g each)," which are one size larger than the eels sold at regular eel restaurants and are satisfying to eat. ( Extra-large blue eels)
Unafuji brand eel
Branded eels are available at Online store
*Sales are irregular and subject to availability.
- Special Maru Eel (2P size, approximately 9,000 yen per eel) *All prices are as of September 2025.
- Aoi eel (2-piece size, approximately 12,000 to 13,000 yen per eel)
- Heavenly Blue Eel (2-piece size, approximately 14,000-15,000 yen per eel)
- Wild eel (market price)
1. Special Eel ( Charcoal Grill Unafuji Main Store )
"Marutoku Eel" is a type of "blue eel" that grows particularly well, reaching the size of 2P (approximately 500g per eel!), and is thick and fatty.
Generally, it is difficult to grill an eel of this size using electricity or gas as the heat output is low, so to grill this large eel deliciously, it is essential to have a skilled chef grill it by hand and use the powerful heat of a charcoal fire (far infrared rays).
Eels are creatures with individual differences in fat content, etc. However, Unafuji 's artisans' soulful, advanced grilling techniques, based on their love for eels, allow them to be perfectly grilled. This is a brand eel that has been offered at Sumiyaki Unafuji since its founding. Die-hard fans of "Special Eel" eagerly await its arrival.
2. Aoi eel
Most farmed eels are male, but by feeding them a diet derived from natural soy isoflavones, we have succeeded in turning them into females. This has improved the growth rate of farmed eels, and in terms of quality, the eels have grown softer and more fatty.
Go to Aichi Prefecture website: https://www.pref.aichi.jp/press-release/aichinoaoiunagi.html
3Heavenly Blue Eel
This is a brand of eel that has been carefully raised in the Osumi region of Kagoshima Prefecture in an environment that closely resembles its natural habitat.
The size is 2P to 1.7P (approximately 500g to 600g), which is slightly larger and thicker than the "Marutoku Unagi" (Special Eel), and it has a good amount of fat and a high amino acid content in the umami part, so it is well suited to grilling and turns out exceptionally delicious.The color is also blue like wild eel, so it is close to wild blue eel, and we offer it as "Ten no Ao Unagi" as soon as it arrives.
The 3P size will be available for purchase in Online store as soon as it arrives.
4Wild eel
The quality of wild eels varies depending on the season, location, size, meat texture, color, etc., and we carefully select the most delicious wild eels from all over the country. These soft blue eels can grow to be 2P to 1.5P (approximately 500g to 700g) or larger, but delicious wild eels are characterized by a very light taste despite being rich in fat. They are one of the most beloved ingredients by Japanese people since ancient times.
*Wild eels are extremely rare, so even if you call in advance, there may be a long period during which they cannot be served. Thank you for your understanding.
lastly
Did you find any of Unafuji and Okafuji 's carefully selected brand eels that interested you?
Even brand eels are usually 4P size (about 250g per kg) at traditional eel restaurants, and it takes time for them to grow to double that size, 2P size. Furthermore, grilling large eels is something that only Unafuji can do, thanks to the power of charcoal fire and the skills of its artisans.
This precious brand eel is definitely worth trying. If you see a sign saying "in stock" Online store or in a store, be sure to give it a try.