Food · Fermented foods
Ise-ebi (Japanese Spiny Lobster)
いせえび (Ise-ebi)
Also known as: Ise-ebi, Japanese spiny lobster, Panulirus japonicus, 伊勢海老, Iseebi
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | いせえび |
| Common Japanese notations | いせえび, 伊勢海老, イセエビ |
| Origin | Japanese spiny lobster (Panulirus japonicus); harvested in Japanese coastal waters; principal landing regions Mie (Ise — heritage area, giving the name), Chiba, Wakayama, Shizuoka, Kyushu; autumn-winter season (October-April) |
| Typical functions | Ultra-premium kaiseki and ceremonial cuisine — Ise-ebi is a defining auspicious ingredient (the long whiskers and curved body symbolize longevity), Osechi New Year cuisine — central element of premium Osechi sets, Premium foodservice signature (Japanese ryokan and high-end restaurants) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen.** Mie Ise heritage area established. |
Ise-ebi (いせえび / 伊勢海老) — Japanese spiny lobster (Panulirus japonicus) — is one of Japan's most prestigious crustaceans with substantial cultural and ceremonial significance. The long whiskers and curved body symbolize longevity, making ise-ebi a defining ingredient of Osechi New Year cuisine and ceremonial premium foodservice. Mie Ise area is the heritage region. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen.**
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Live ise-ebi retail (premium foodservice)
- Frozen ise-ebi
- Premium Mie Ise specialty gift retail
What it is
Panulirus japonicus Japanese spiny lobster, distinct from Maine/American/European lobsters.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Ultra-premium kaiseki and ceremonial cuisine.
Osechi New Year cuisine central element.
Premium foodservice signature.
For OEM: live ise-ebi cold-chain supply, frozen retail, premium Mie Ise gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen.** Mie Ise heritage origin disclosure.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Imported as Japanese spiny lobster. Niche ultra-premium specialty. Crustacean allergen mandatory. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche ultra-premium specialty. Crustacean allergen mandatory. |
| China | Premium specialty positioning in Japanese-imports. |
| Korea | Niche premium specialty. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of Mie Ise origin.
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Sharing similar functions
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From the same origin
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References
- MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — いせえび
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.