Sakana

In Japan, it is customary to serve alcoholic drinks with snacks called sakana (肴), shukō (酒肴), or otsumami (お摘み).

Combini and other stores that sell alcohol often have a selection of pre-packaged dried snacks, canned items, and pickles designed to be consumed as sakana.

It is not uncommon to encounter Naporitan or Italian-style pasta, pizza, cheese, and gyoza in modern izakaya.

Otsumami are generally simpler dishes suited for otoshi (お通し) or preparing and eating at home.

Since otoshi are placed on the table as customers sit down, they are usually dishes that can be prepared ahead of time in large portions and served cold or at room temperature.

A bachelor or someone living alone might open a can of mackerel (sanma or saury) in miso or soy sauce or simply use a pre-packaged form of sakana like pickles or Japanese potato salad bought at a supermarket or convenience store.

Japanese variety shows, magazines, and newspapers frequently feature recipes for homemade sakana.