noun
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: ホッキ貝
北海道ではウバガイの刺身が名物だ。
In Hokkaido, Sakhalin surf clam sashimi is a local specialty.
ウバガイはホッキ貝とも呼ばれる。
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.
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.