【Reading】ゆりあげのあかがい

【English Name】Akagai (Ark Shell) from Yuriage

Yuriage in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, is renowned as a production area of the finest ark shell (akagai) recognized by sushi chefs nationwide. With the Natori and Abukuma Rivers flowing into Sendai Bay, abundant nutrients reach the seabed, and the ark shell, which grows over about four years in this favorable sandy-muddy environment, has vividly red flesh and a rich aroma of the sea.

Its peak season runs from winter to early spring. Especially from January to March in the depths of winter, the flesh tightens, and the sweetness and deep umami that spread with each bite stand out. Characterized by a springy texture and clean cut, in Edo-mae nigiri the traditional technique of scoring it with decorative knife cuts to shape it like a butterfly is used.

Most of the catch is shipped to markets in the Tokyo metropolitan area, where it is prized at high-end sushi restaurants including Michelin-starred establishments. In the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Yuriage suffered devastating damage from the tsunami, but through fishermen's efforts toward recovery, ark shell fishing resumed. Today it draws nationwide attention as a symbol of reconstruction.