Why source from Japan
Akashi Strait's strong tidal currents produce octopus with firmness and sweetness no other origin matches; recognised as world-class octopus origin.
Key spec
Protein 16-18%; taurine 600-900 mg/100g; firmness elevated; Akashi-tako is recognised as global benchmark.
Typical end-product
Premium takoyaki retail / hospitality, fine-dining export, ready-cut sashimi.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg live / fresh; 1–10 kg processed
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks (in season)
- Regions of origin
- Hyogo (Akashi Strait)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- May – August (peak)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; phytosanitary for live; shellfish-allergen labelling
- Japanese name
- 明石蛸
- Romaji
- 明石蛸
About this ingredient
Wild-harvest common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from the Akashi Strait between Hyogo and Awaji Island. The strong tidal currents in the strait produce octopus with markedly firmer, sweeter flesh than other origins. Akashi's takoyaki tradition is anchored in this premium octopus supply. Per-kg pricing is 2-3× imported octopus. Substantial fine-dining and gift-economy positioning. Distinct from existing seafood entries (squid, prawn, crab, scallop).
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; phytosanitary for live; shellfish-allergen labelling |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; shellfish-allergen labelling |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; shellfish-allergen labelling |
| China | GACC; phytosanitary |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Akashi Octopus (Madako) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
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Last updated: 2026-05-05