Hokkigai (Surf Clam)
Hokkigai is one of many types of shellfish that are eaten as sashimi. The triangle shaped foot of these clams may be served raw, but is more commonly lightly boiled which turns the tip red and firms up the meat. Best in winter, good hokkigai have a meaty texture and sweet flavor. Many are harvested in the northern regions of Japan such as Hokkaido and the Sanriku Coast, although these days a lot of hokkigai are imported as well.