Food · Fermented foods

Sarubo (Canned Half-Crenate Ark)

さるぼう 缶詰 (Sarubō kanzume)

Also known as: Sarubo, Sarubo-gai, Half-crenate ark, Anadara kagoshimensis, 猿頬貝, サルボウ

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameさるぼう 缶詰
Common Japanese notationsさるぼう, さるぼう貝, 猿頬貝, サルボウ, 缶詰さるぼう
OriginHalf-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis); smaller relative of akagai (A. broughtonii); principal historic Ariake Sea (Saga, Kumamoto), Mikawa Bay; **commercially produced largely as canned-product** (sweet-soy or natural water-pack) rather than fresh-shucked retail; volume use as **inazushi (sweet-vinegar pickled fish-rice)**, **chirashi-zushi topping**, and **akagai-substitute** in lower-tier retail/foodservice
Typical functionsCanned sweet-soy preparation — defining shelf-stable preserve format, Inazushi component (sweet-vinegar fish-rice premix), Chirashi-zushi topping, Akagai-substitute in lower-tier retail
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. **Sarubo and akagai are distinct species — must not be labeled as akagai.** **Mollusk JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**

Sarubo (さるぼう / 猿頬貝) — half-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis) — is a smaller relative of akagai (ark shell). Primarily commercialized as **canned shelf-stable preserve** (sweet-soy or water-pack). Inazushi, chirashi-zushi topping, akagai-substitute applications.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Canned sarubo retail (sweet-soy and water-pack)
  • Foodservice canned sarubo B2B (sushi-supply, inazushi, chirashi)

Ingredient profile

Anadara kagoshimensis half-crenate ark (canned form is dominant retail).

OEM applications

Canned sweet-soy preserve format.

Inazushi sweet-vinegar fish-rice.

Chirashi-zushi topping.

Akagai-substitute lower-tier.

For OEM: canned retail, foodservice canned B2B sushi-supply.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling.

**Distinct from akagai — must not be labeled 'akagai'.**

**Mollusk JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**

Regulatory classification in other markets

EU**Mollusks EU-mandatory allergen.** Niche specialty.
USAMollusk allergen disclosure. Niche specialty.
ChinaNative species; shellfish-canning industry established.
KoreaEstablished as 새꼬막.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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.

Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Sarubo (Canned Half-Crenate Ark)?
Sarubo (さるぼう / 猿頬貝) — half-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis) — is a smaller relative of akagai (ark shell). Primarily commercialized as **canned shelf-stable preserve** (sweet-soy or water-pack). Inazushi, chirashi-zushi topping, akagai-substitute applications.
What is the regulatory status of Sarubo (Canned Half-Crenate Ark) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. **Sarubo and akagai are distinct species — must not be labeled as akagai.** **Mollusk JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**
What products typically use Sarubo (Canned Half-Crenate Ark)?
Canned sarubo retail (sweet-soy and water-pack) / Foodservice canned sarubo B2B (sushi-supply, inazushi, chirashi)
Where does Sarubo (Canned Half-Crenate Ark) come from?
Half-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis); smaller relative of akagai (A. broughtonii); principal historic Ariake Sea (Saga, Kumamoto), Mikawa Bay; **commercially produced largely as canned-product** (sweet-soy or natural water-pack) rather than fresh-shucked retail; volume use as **inazushi (sweet-vinegar pickled fish-rice)**, **chirashi-zushi topping**, and **akagai-substitute** in lower-tier retail/foodservice
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Sarubo (Canned Half-Crenate Ark)?
JSCI: さるぼう 缶詰

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References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — さるぼう 缶詰

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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