noun
Japanese scallop; Yesso scallop
Refers specifically to Patinopecten yessoensis, a commercially important scallop species in Japan. Often seen in seafood contexts.
See also: 帆立貝
アキタガイは北海道でよく獲れる。
Japanese scallops are often caught in Hokkaido.
この刺身はアキタガイを使っています
This sashimi uses Japanese scallop.
帆立貝 is the general term for scallops, while アキタガイ specifies the Japanese scallop species (Patinopecten yessoensis).
The name likely derives from 秋田 (Akita) + 貝 (shellfish), but the exact origin is uncertain. The katakana spelling is standard for this species.