Food · Fermented foods
Sakura-ebi (Cherry Shrimp)
さくらえび (Sakura-ebi)
Also known as: Sakura-ebi, Cherry shrimp, Sergia lucens, 桜えび, Yu-shi-ebi
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | さくらえび |
| Common Japanese notations | さくらえび, 桜えび, サクラエビ |
| Origin | Cherry shrimp (Sergia lucens); small pelagic shrimp; principal Japanese harvest region Suruga Bay (Shizuoka — exclusive Japanese commercial fishery, with Yui being the heritage town); spring and autumn fishing seasons |
| Typical functions | Sakura-ebi tempura (kakiage) — Suruga Bay regional signature, Premium gift retail (Yui sakura-ebi), Furikake and seasoning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen.** Suruga Bay Yui-no-Sakura-ebi heritage area established. |
Sakura-ebi (さくらえび / 桜えび) — cherry shrimp (Sergia lucens) — is a small pelagic shrimp harvested exclusively in Suruga Bay (Shizuoka, with Yui as heritage town) — Japan's only commercial cherry shrimp fishery. The OEM positioning includes kakiage tempura signature, premium gift retail, and furikake/seasoning. **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.
- Fresh sakura-ebi (Suruga Bay seasonal)
- Sun-dried sakura-ebi (year-round retail)
- Boiled sakura-ebi retail
What it is
Sergia lucens cherry shrimp, exclusive to Suruga Bay commercial fishery.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Kakiage tempura — Suruga Bay regional signature.
Premium Yui-no-sakura-ebi gift retail.
Furikake and seasoning.
For OEM: sun-dried sakura-ebi retail, regional gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen.** Suruga Bay heritage origin.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty positioning. Crustacean allergen mandatory. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty positioning. Crustacean allergen mandatory. |
| China | China has its own small shrimp tradition (different species). |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of Suruga Bay Yui 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 — さくらえび 各形態
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.