Kamaboko

 is a type of cured "surimi", a processed seafood product common in Japanese cuisine. 
It is made by forming various pureed deboned white fish with either natural or man-made additives and flavorings into distinctive loaves, which are then steamed until fully cooked and firm. These are sliced and either served unheated (or chilled) with various dipping sauces, or added to various hot soups, rice, or noodle dishes. "Kamaboko" is often sold in semicylindrical loaves, some featuring artistic patterns, such as the pink spiral on each slice of "narutomaki", named after the well-known tidal whirlpool near the Japanese city of Naruto. In Miyagi Prefecture, is a regional "kamaboko" variation, pale white in colour, formed in the shape of bamboo leaves and often lightly grilled immediately prior to serving. 
There is no precise English translation for "kamaboko". Rough equivalents are 'fish paste', 'fish loaf', 'fish cake', and 'fish sausage'. Tsuji recommends using the Japanese name in English (e.g., 'sushi'). The Ashkenazi Jewish dish gefilte fish has some similarity.
Red-skinned and white "kamaboko" are typically served at celebratory and holiday meals, as red and white are considered to bring good luck. 
"Kamaboko" has been made in Japan since the 14th century AD and is now available nearly worldwide. The simulated crab meat product "kanikama" (short for "kani-kamaboko") is the best-known form of "surimi" in the West. In Japan, the prepackaged snack "chīkama" (cheese plus "kamaboko") is commonly sold in convenience stores. In the city of Uwajima, a type of fried "kamaboko" called "jakoten" is popular.
Composition.
Choice of fish.
Early "kamaboko" was made with minced catfish (Silurus asotus). 
The white fish used to make "surimi" (Japanese: 擂り身, literally "ground meat") include:
Kamaboko Day.
The "Kamaboko" organization of Japan specified November 15 for "Kamaboko Day", established in 1983.
Outside Japan.
Hawaii.
In Hawaii, pink or red-skinned "kamaboko" is readily available in grocery stores. It is a staple of "saimin", a popular noodle soup created in Hawaii from the blending of Chinese and Japanese ingredients. "Kamaboko" is sometimes referred to as "fish cake" in English.
After World War II, surplus Quonset huts became popular as housing in Hawaii. They became known as "kamaboko houses" due to the Quonset hut's half-cylindrical shape, similar to "kamaboko".