Oyster

かき

A signature winter delicacy, often called the 'milk of the sea'. Hiroshima Prefecture accounts for roughly 60% of national production, followed by Miyagi, Okayama, Hyogo, and Iwate. Almost all production is farmed in the calm Inland Sea and Sanriku coast. Only oysters from designated purified areas may be sold for raw consumption. Rich in iron, zinc, taurine, and glycogen

Taste & Texture

Milky, rich umami with a creamy texture. Raw oysters bring oceanic aroma and sweetness; hotpot, grilled, or fried preparations intensify the concentrated savoriness. Known as the 'milk of the sea'

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jan - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Shell-on oysters should be tightly closed and heavy.

  • Shucked oysters should be plump and creamy white with clearly defined dark frills.

  • Choose packs with minimal seepage.

How to Store

  • Shell-on oysters keep 2-3 days refrigerated in a bowl of ice water.

  • Shucked oysters keep 1-2 days refrigerated (distinguish raw-eating grade from cooking grade).

  • Frozen cooking-grade lasts about 1 month.

Shelf life 1-2 days refrigerated (shucked) / 2-3 days (shell-on); about 1 month frozen (cooking grade)

Nutrition Facts

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Nov ¥458/100g
Most Expensive Feb ¥488/100g

Annual Average

¥465/100g

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Top Landing Prefectures

Hiroshima59.8%
Miyagi13.7%
Okayama7.8%
Hyogo5.6%
Iwate3.9%
Others9.2%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Production (t)
Share
1
89,192
59.8%
2
20,363
13.7%
3
11,557
7.8%
4
8,407
5.6%
5
5,834
3.9%

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

Top 5 Prefecture Production Trends (2018-2023)

Hiroshima
Miyagi
Okayama
Hyogo
Iwate

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥766 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Hiroshima Hiroshima
¥2,555
2
Takamatsu Kagawa
¥1,533
3
Kobe Hyogo
¥1,284
4
Okayama Okayama
¥1,172
5
Osaka Osaka
¥921

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