Food · Fermented foods
Ma-dako (Common Octopus)
まだこ (Ma-dako)
Also known as: Ma-dako, Common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, 真蛸, Akashi-dako (Hyogo)
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | まだこ |
| Common Japanese notations | まだこ, 真蛸, マダコ, 明石ダコ |
| Origin | Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris); Japanese coastal harvest, principal regions Hyogo (Akashi-dako — premium GI brand), Yamaguchi, Mie; significant Moroccan, Mauritanian, Vietnamese imports for volume |
| Typical functions | Premium sushi topping — boiled tako defining sushi staple, Takoyaki (Osaka street food signature), Tako-zuke and karaage, Premium Akashi-dako GI gift retail |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Akashi-dako (Hyogo) GI brand. Domestic vs imported origin disclosure essential. **Mollusc allergen recommended disclosure.** |
Ma-dako (まだこ / 真蛸) — common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) — is a defining Japanese sushi and takoyaki ingredient. Hyogo Akashi-dako is GI-protected premium. Significant Moroccan and Mauritanian imports for volume.
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.
- Fresh whole ma-dako (foodservice)
- Pre-cooked boiled tako (sushi-grade convenience format)
- Akashi-dako GI premium gift retail
- Frozen ma-dako (volume retail and processed-food)
What it is
Octopus vulgaris common octopus.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Premium sushi topping (boiled tako).
Takoyaki Osaka signature.
Tako-zuke, karaage.
Akashi-dako GI premium gift.
For OEM: pre-cooked boiled tako sushi-grade supply, takoyaki ingredient, premium gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Akashi-dako GI brand. Origin disclosure essential. Mollusc allergen recommended.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Major established global octopus trade. Mollusc allergen mandatory. |
|---|---|
| USA | Established US octopus market. Mollusc allergen mandatory. |
| China | Major global trade. |
| Korea | Major Korean munoo (낙지/문어) tradition. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of Akashi-dako or other origin.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
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Sharing similar functions
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From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
References
- MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — まだこ 各形態
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.