Scallop

ほたて

A signature Hokkaido seafood. The 'seabed-sown' method in the Sea of Okhotsk and Funka Bay, and 'hanging culture' in Mutsu Bay (Aomori), are the two main production methods. The adductor muscle is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in zinc, iron, and taurine

Taste & Texture

The adductor muscle has rich sweetness and umami, which intensifies with cooking. Raw in sashimi or sushi, it has oceanic aroma and firm texture; butter-sautéed or fried, the umami concentrates. The 'himo' (mantle) is a delicacy

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

May - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • For shell-on scallops, choose ones with tightly closed shells and good heft.

  • The adductor should be white to pale cream with translucency and minimal seepage.

  • Avoid yellowing or any off-odor.

How to Store

  • Store shell-on scallops in a bowl of ice water in the refrigerator, consume within 1-2 days.

  • Adductor meat should be patted dry, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated for 1-2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Shelf life 1-2 days refrigerated; about 1 month frozen

Nutrition Facts

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Apr ¥381/100g
Most Expensive Dec ¥469/100g

Annual Average

¥427/100g

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Top Landing Prefectures

Hokkaido86.6%
Aomori11.8%
Miyagi1.3%
Iwate0.4%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Production (t)
Share
1
417,440
86.6%
2
56,674
11.8%
3
6,031
1.3%
4
1,758
0.4%

Source: MAFF Marine Fisheries Production Statistics (wild + aquaculture) (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Production Trends (2018-2023)

Hokkaido
Aomori
Miyagi
Iwate

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥1,157 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Aomori Aomori
¥3,540
2
Sapporo Hokkaido
¥2,746
3
Morioka Iwate
¥1,686
4
Akita Akita
¥1,681
5
Shizuoka Shizuoka
¥1,606

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)