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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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameあげまき
Common Japanese notationsあげまき, 揚巻, アゲマキ
OriginJackknife 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 functionsSake-mushi (sake-steamed) preparation, Mariné salad, Stir-fry with garlic-butter, Niche specialty foodservice
Regulatory status in JapanStandard 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.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Imported agemaki retail (general supply, Chinese/Korean)
  • Frozen agemaki B2B foodservice

What it is

Sinonovacula constricta jackknife clam (essentially imported).

Typical uses in Japanese products

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.
USAMollusk allergen disclosure. Niche specialty.
ChinaNative and major aquaculture origin (蛏子).
KoreaEstablished as 맛조개 (matjogae).

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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Related ingredients

References

  1. MEXT 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.

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