the name was inspired by an innovative solution to a difficult problem

the problem

The Japanese love to eat fresh fish. The fresher the fish the higher the price. To satisfy the ever growing demand for tasty fish, the Japanese fishermen had to travel beyond the fished-out areas near their home ports.

Being at sea for several days the fishermen had to freeze their fish. Unfortunately, the Japanese customers wouldn't pay top prices for frozen fish.

So the fishermen built bigger boats and installed fish tanks to keep the fish alive. Unfortunately, after a short time in tanks the fish became lethargic. The Japanese consumers wouldn't pay a premium for lazy fish that didn't taste fresh.

the solution

The solution was simple and right at hand. They threw a shark or two into the fish tank to keep the fish active and moving.

The sharks ate a fish now and then but the fish that make it to market alive were anything but lethargic. They were fresh!!