Jusanko Yamato Shijimi Clams (Aomori): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipped year-round, with two peak seasons: summer “doyo shijimi” in July and August, and firm-fleshed winter “kan shijimi” from December to March.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Jusankosan Yamato Shijimi is a Yamato shijimi (Freshwater clam; Corbicula japonica) caught in the brackish-water Jusanko Lake. It is suitable for soup broth as it produces rich flavor and umami taste. The production area provides stable supply of freshwater clam throughout a year and its quality is highly valued by the market.

Link with the production area

The Jusanko lake is a leading site in the nation for collecting freshwater clam. The production of “Jusankosan Yamato Shijimi” has started at least from the Meiji Period (about 130 years ago). The stable catch of the freshwater clam is possible due to operators’ continuous effort of resource management.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s23.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

These are Yamato shijimi clams harvested in Lake Jusanko, a brackish lake in Aomori Prefecture. They are prized for the rich broth and umami they release, and the market values their quality and steady supply throughout the year. Fishers limit their fishing to keep the harvest sustainable.

Jusanko Yamato Shijimi Clams is produced in Goshogawara City (including Lake Jusanko), Tsugaru City, and Nakadomari Town in Kitatsugaru County, Aomori Prefecture.

Jusanko Yamato Shijimi Clams is shipped all year round. Shipped year-round, with two peak seasons: summer “doyo shijimi” in July and August, and firm-fleshed winter “kan shijimi” from December to March.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Jusanko Yamato Shijimi Clams was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 7, 2016 (Registration No. 23). The registered producer group is Jusan Fisheries Cooperative, Shariki Fisheries Cooperative.