B. japonica is closely related, and quite similar, to Brama brama, but can be distinguished by possessing a greater number of anal fin rays and a higher number of gill rakers.

Brama japonica is widely distributed throughout the Pacific Ocean, from the Sea of Japan to California and Peru, notably in the Northern Pacific.

[2] Though rarely caught inshore, it is a good food fish.

[2] Averaging 30-42 cm in length, there have also been specimens reaching as great as 61cm.

(0.3kg) [4] Diet of adult B. japonica has been found to primarily consist of cephalopods and fish (primarily those in the genus Bathylagus), and secondarily amphipods.