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 — celebrated regional brand, NOT 農林水産省 GI-registered), 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 gift retail (regional brand, not GI) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Akashi-dako (Hyogo) regional brand (not 農林水産省 GI-registered). 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 a regional premium brand (not 農林水産省 GI-registered). Significant Moroccan and Mauritanian imports for volume.
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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.
- Fresh whole ma-dako (foodservice)
- Pre-cooked boiled tako (sushi-grade convenience format)
- Akashi-dako premium gift retail (regional brand, not 農林水産省 GI-registered)
- Frozen ma-dako (volume retail and processed-food)
Ingredient profile
Octopus vulgaris common octopus.
OEM applications
Premium sushi topping (boiled tako).
Takoyaki Osaka signature.
Tako-zuke, karaage.
Akashi-dako regional premium gift (not GI).
For OEM: pre-cooked boiled tako sushi-grade supply, takoyaki ingredient, premium gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Akashi-dako regional brand (not GI). 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. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of Akashi-dako or other origin.
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Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Ma-dako (Common Octopus)?
- Ma-dako (まだこ / 真蛸) — common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) — is a defining Japanese sushi and takoyaki ingredient. Hyogo Akashi-dako is a regional premium brand (not 農林水産省 GI-registered). Significant Moroccan and Mauritanian imports for volume.
- What is the regulatory status of Ma-dako (Common Octopus) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. Akashi-dako (Hyogo) regional brand (not 農林水産省 GI-registered). Domestic vs imported origin disclosure essential. **Mollusc allergen recommended disclosure.**
- What products typically use Ma-dako (Common Octopus)?
- Fresh whole ma-dako (foodservice) / Pre-cooked boiled tako (sushi-grade convenience format) / Akashi-dako premium gift retail (regional brand, not 農林水産省 GI-registered) / Frozen ma-dako (volume retail and processed-food)
- Where does Ma-dako (Common Octopus) come from?
- Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris); Japanese coastal harvest, principal regions Hyogo (Akashi-dako — celebrated regional brand, NOT 農林水産省 GI-registered), Yamaguchi, Mie; significant Moroccan, Mauritanian, Vietnamese imports for volume
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Ma-dako (Common Octopus)?
- JSCI: まだこ
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References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) 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.