Why source from Japan
Kuwana hamaguri carries 'Kuwana-no Yakihamaguri' regional brand; declining wild supply elevates Japan-domestic premium.
Key spec
Glutamate 100-150 mg/100g; succinic acid elevated; characteristic clear-broth umami; allergen-shellfish.
Typical end-product
Hina-matsuri ceremonial dishes, fine-dining clear-broth soup, hospitality export.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg live / fresh
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Mie (Kuwana), Aichi (Mikawa Bay), Chiba (Tokyo Bay)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- March – August (peak)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; phytosanitary for live; shellfish-allergen labelling
- Japanese name
- 蛤
- Romaji
- 蛤
About this ingredient
Japanese hard clam (Meretrix lusoria) — a ceremonial-cuisine staple, central to hina-matsuri (Doll Festival) tradition where the matched-pair shells symbolise fidelity. Mie's Kuwana hamaguri carries 'Kuwana-no Yakihamaguri' regional positioning; Aichi and Tokyo Bay (formerly major sources, now declining) round out commercial supply. Production has been declining due to coastal habitat loss; allocation-controlled cooperative supply commands premium pricing. Distinct from existing seafood entries.
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; live-shellfish inspection |
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
Hamaguri (Japanese Hard Clam) 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