Crab

かに

A signature winter delicacy and top-ranked for furusato-nozei. Snow crab is fished along the Japan Sea from Hokuriku to Sanin, producing many regional brands (Echizen, Matsuba, Taiza, Tsuiyama). Tarabagani comes from Hokkaido and the Russian Far East

Taste & Texture

Delicate sweet fiber-textured meat with rich umami 'kani-miso' (hepatopancreas). Zuwai offers subtle sweetness; tarabagani provides thick legs and volume; kegani features rich miso. Versatile — boiled, grilled, hotpot, sushi

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jan - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Heavy shell that holds its shape when held upside-down.

  • Boiled crab should have vivid red shell and firm leg joints.

  • Avoid dark spots or moldy smell.

How to Store

  • Boiled crab: 2-3 days refrigerated; about 1 month frozen (no re-freezing after thawing).

  • Live crabs should be boiled promptly.

Shelf life 2-3 days refrigerated (boiled); about 1 month frozen

Nutrition Facts

Top Landing Prefectures

Hokkaido27.6%
Tottori12.0%
Shimane11.5%
Hyogo10.2%
Niigata9.0%
Others29.6%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Production (t)
Share
1
6,274
27.6%
2
2,724
12.0%
3
2,616
11.5%
4
2,324
10.2%
5
2,048
9.0%

Source: MAFF Marine Fisheries Production Statistics (wild catch) (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Production Trends (2018-2023)

Hokkaido
Tottori
Shimane
Hyogo
Niigata

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥1,828 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Tottori Tottori
¥5,610
2
Fukui Fukui
¥5,502
3
Nara Nara
¥2,865
4
Tsu Mie
¥2,819
5
Niigata Niigata
¥2,685

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