Sakhalin surf clam
A large edible clam found in northern Japan, often used in sushi and miso soup. Also known as ホッキ貝.
See also: ホッキかい
In Hokkaido, Sakhalin surf clam sashimi is a local specialty.
The Sakhalin surf clam is also called hokkigai.
Common alternative name for the same clam; ウバガイ is the formal biological name, while ホッキ貝 is widely used in everyday contexts.
Katakana spelling is common for this shellfish name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is normally written in kana.
Alternate kanji spelling; very rare and not commonly used.
The name likely derives from 姥 (uba, 'old woman') and 貝 (kai, 'shellfish'), possibly referring to the clam's appearance, but the exact origin is uncertain.