Risky Fish-ness: 12yo in Japan Passes Fugu Preparation Exam

It’s the tastiest fish that might kill you. But one elementary school kid in Japan has mastered preparing it so well that he’s now certified.

Picture: セーラム / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

By Francesca Annio

Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite ingredients and meticulous preparation. Yet, amidst these culinary delights, one food stands out for an unexpected reason: fugu.

As most everyone knows from watching The Simpsons, this delicacy, when ill-prepared, can kill. Now comes word that one Japanese prefecture has certified the youngest person ever as skilled in preparing the potentially deadly catch.

Delicious but deadly

In the hands of a qualified chef, fugu is a delicacy. In the hands of an unqualified chef…well, we hope your will’s up to date. (Picture: runa / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Fugu, the Japanese pufferfish, offers a uniquely chewy and firm flavor that tantalizes the palate, leaving a subtle numbing sensation on the tongue. Treasured across Japan, this culinary gem also entices foreign visitors with its irresistible appeal.

You can enjoy fugu thinly sliced as sashimi or in a rich-flavored hot pot, surprising your taste buds either way. But what might catch you off guard, not in a pleasant manner, is that this seemingly…