Opening of the Snow Crab Season

What Is the Opening of the Snow Crab Season?

November 6th is the day the snow crab (zuwaigani) fishing season opens in the Sea of Japan west of Toyama Prefecture. Fishing begins on this day each year, and the first catches landed at local ports make the news as a sign that winter delicacies have arrived. The season is regulated to protect the stock; for male crabs it runs until March 20 of the following year.

A Crab With Many Regional Names

A distinctive feature of snow crab is that its name changes depending on where it is landed. Each region gives its crab a brand name and competes on quality.

• Matsuba-gani: the brand name for males landed in the San'in region (Shimane, Tottori, etc.)
• Echizen-gani: the name used in Fukui Prefecture
• Kano-gani: the name used in Ishikawa Prefecture
• Taiza-gani: the name used on the Tango Peninsula in Kyoto Prefecture

A Shorter Season for Female Crabs

Female snow crabs, called "kōbako-gani" in Ishikawa and elsewhere, are smaller than males and prized for the eggs they carry. To protect the stock, the season for females is set shorter than for males. The fixed opening date is also a way of preserving a limited resource for the long term. Right after the opening, producing areas hold auctions and direct sales that draw many visitors.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check the news for scenes of the first catches and auctions
• Look up the differences among regional brands like Matsuba-gani and Echizen-gani
• Consider a crab-producing town on the Sea of Japan coast for a winter trip
• Chat with family or coworkers about your favorite crab dishes

The Signal That Winter Delicacies Have Arrived

The opening of the snow crab season signals that the time for winter feasts has come to the Sea of Japan coast. On November 6th, listen for the news from the ports and feel the season change.