Crossword Genius

Sample of catch on shuttle in Japanese waters (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

honshu

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'japanese waters' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'sample of catch on shuttle' is the wordplay.
'sample of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (an extract or sample of the clue).
'HONSHU' is hidden in the letters of 'catch on shuttle'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for honshu that I've seen before include "Largest of the Japanese islands" , "Largest island of mainland Japan" , "Island regarded as the Japanese mainland" , "Japan's main island" , "Largest of the four main islands of Japan" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and The Irish Times.
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