Tako (Octopus) Sushi

Octopus (Tako)

Squid & Octopus

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Superorder Octopodiformes, Order Octopoda, Family Octopodidae

Octopus inhabits rocky reefs and sandy areas in oceans worldwide, with over 300 species in existence. The main edible species are members of the Octopodidae family, and in Japan, tako (octopus) typically refers to species such as madako (common octopus), mizudako (giant Pacific octopus), yanagidako (willow octopus), and iidako (ocellated octopus).

Octopus inhabits oceans worldwide, including the deep sea, and has eight arms equipped with suckers that can sense texture and taste. The round part that appears to be the head is actually the body (mantle), while the part with eyes and mouth is the true head. Octopuses can squeeze through extremely narrow spaces, and since most of their soft body is muscle, they can also exert tremendous force.

Most edible octopus species are members of the Octopodidae family. In Japan, harvested species include madako (common octopus), mizudako (giant Pacific octopus), yanagidako (willow octopus), tenagadako (long-armed octopus), and iidako (ocellated octopus). They are low in calories and rich in protein, taurine, and zinc, with summer being considered the most delicious season.

Major domestic production areas for madako include Hyogo and Nagasaki Prefectures, but domestic catches have been declining, and most madako on the market are imported raw and frozen from Africa, then boiled domestically. Madako has an excellent aroma, with domestic varieties having a particularly strong, distinctive octopus fragrance and subtle sweetness. Salt-boiling concentrates the umami and firms up the flesh for a satisfying bite, so the standard preparation for sushi is boiled rather than raw. Sakura-ni (soy-glazed simmered octopus) is also popular. Apart from madako, another well-known domestic octopus is mizudako (giant Pacific octopus), which has been gaining popularity in recent years partly due to the decline of madako. Mizudako inhabits cold waters around the world and is known as the world's largest octopus - a specimen nearly 9 meters long was once discovered. In Japan, it inhabits waters from Tohoku northward, and specimens close to 3 meters are common. While it lacks the sweetness and umami of madako, it is characteristically soft and juicy, well-suited for eating raw, and pairs nicely with citrus and salt.

Both madako and mizudako can be enjoyed in many ways beyond the methods mentioned above - topped with pickled plum paste for a refreshing flavor, brushed with tsume glaze, wrapped with nori seaweed, and more.

Are Octopuses Related to Martians?

The image of octopus-like Martians is well-known, and it originated from the speculation that intelligent aliens would have large heads, and on Mars with its lower gravity, thin limbs could support that large head - a concept combined with the appearance of an octopus. In reality, octopuses are extremely intelligent, possessing intelligence equivalent to that of a dog. They can unscrew the lids of glass jars containing food, use their tentacles to touch people they like while recognizing individuals, and are even said to be capable of dreaming. If Martians are indeed related to octopuses, then perhaps that round "head" is actually a body, and their athletic abilities might be far greater than their appearance suggests!