Katsuo (Bonito) mainly inhabit the Pacific Ocean side of Japan. Many food items in Japan, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and seafoods, are referred to as Hatsumono (first things) when the first ones of the season are gathered, and they are often considered auspicious or high quality. The katsuo that swim north along the Pacific coast from April to June are called "Hatsugatsuo" for this reason and are the most sought-after. Katsuo is most often served raw as sashimi or lightly seared as "Katsuo no tataki".