Food · Fermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき (Agemaki)
Also known as: Agemaki, Jackknife clam, Sinonovacula constricta, 揚巻, アゲマキ, Mategai (related)
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | あげまき |
| Common Japanese notations | あげまき, 揚巻, アゲマキ |
| Origin | Jackknife clam (Sinonovacula constricta); native to Ariake Sea (Saga, Fukuoka) — **once iconic Ariake-Sea specialty but population dramatically declined since 1980s; domestic native agemaki is now extreme-rarity**; modern retail agemaki is essentially 100% imported from China and Korea (where it remains commonly cultivated as 蛏子/맛조개); long-shaped shellfish with distinctive sliding burrowing behavior |
| Typical functions | Sake-mushi (sake-steamed) preparation, Mariné salad, Stir-fry with garlic-butter, Niche specialty foodservice |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. **Origin disclosure (overwhelmingly imported).** **Mollusk JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.** |
Agemaki (あげまき / 揚巻) is the jackknife clam (Sinonovacula constricta) — once iconic Ariake-Sea (Saga) specialty but native population dramatically declined since 1980s. Modern retail is essentially 100% Chinese/Korean import.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Imported agemaki retail (general supply, Chinese/Korean)
- Frozen agemaki B2B foodservice
Ingredient profile
Sinonovacula constricta jackknife clam (essentially imported).
OEM applications
Sake-mushi sake-steamed.
Mariné salad.
Garlic-butter stir-fry.
Niche specialty foodservice.
For OEM: imported retail, frozen B2B.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. **Origin disclosure (overwhelmingly imported).** **Mollusk JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | **Mollusks EU-mandatory allergen.** Niche specialty. |
|---|---|
| USA | Mollusk allergen disclosure. Niche specialty. |
| China | Native and major aquaculture origin (蛏子). |
| Korea | Established as 맛조개 (matjogae). |
Market reference formulations
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Quick answers
- What is Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)?
- Agemaki (あげまき / 揚巻) is the jackknife clam (Sinonovacula constricta) — once iconic Ariake-Sea (Saga) specialty but native population dramatically declined since 1980s. Modern retail is essentially 100% Chinese/Korean import.
- What is the regulatory status of Agemaki (Jackknife Clam) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. **Origin disclosure (overwhelmingly imported).** **Mollusk JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**
- What products typically use Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)?
- Imported agemaki retail (general supply, Chinese/Korean) / Frozen agemaki B2B foodservice
- Where does Agemaki (Jackknife Clam) come from?
- Jackknife clam (Sinonovacula constricta); native to Ariake Sea (Saga, Fukuoka) — **once iconic Ariake-Sea specialty but population dramatically declined since 1980s; domestic native agemaki is now extreme-rarity**; modern retail agemaki is essentially 100% imported from China and Korea (where it remains commonly cultivated as 蛏子/맛조개); long-shaped shellfish with distinctive sliding burrowing behavior
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)?
- JSCI: あげまき
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References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — あげまき
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.