Ise ebi - Japanese spiny lobster Wild
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イセエビ

Ise ebi

Japanese Spiny Lobster
Nagasaki, Japan Live Seafood Wild
Size Range
500g–1kg
Availability
Daily / Year-round
Forms Available
Live, Whole
Shipping
Live (Air Freight)
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Japan's Royal Crustacean

Ise Ebi (Japanese Spiny Lobster) is the most prestigious crustacean in Japanese culture — the symbol of celebration, longevity, and prosperity. Its dramatic red-orange shell, long antennae, and imposing size make it the centerpiece of New Year's feasts, wedding banquets, and celebration meals throughout Japan. In Shinto tradition, its curved back symbolizes the bent posture of an elderly person, representing the wish for long life.

The flesh is firm, deeply sweet, and unlike Western lobster species, it can be enjoyed raw as sashimi — sliced live from the tail, the ise-ebi sashimi experience is one of the great sushi bar delicacies. The head, containing the flavorful miso (tomalley), is served alongside as a complementary treat.

Advance Intertrade sources Ise Ebi from Mie (the original 'Ise' region), Chiba, and Kyushu. Live specimens are essential for the sashimi tradition, while boiled/steamed forms serve celebration meals throughout the year.

How It's Served

  • 🍣

    Ise Ebi Sashimi

    Sliced live from the tail and served with the head display — the sweetness and dramatic presentation make this a celebration centerpiece.

  • 🔥

    Onigara-yaki (Grilled)

    Split and grilled whole with sake or miso — the caramelized flesh with head miso is an extraordinary treat.

  • 🍲

    Ise Ebi Nabe

    Simmered in a rich dashi broth with vegetables — the shells release deep umami into the broth.

  • 🍜

    Ise Ebi Miso Soup

    The head shells are simmered into a luxurious miso soup — celebrated as one of Japan's great celebration soups.

Export & Sourcing Details

HS Code
0306.17 (Fresh) / 0306.17 (Frozen)
Seasonality
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Japanese spiny lobster — autumn/winter (fishery closed May–Sep).
Size Grading
SizeGradeCommon Use
300–500gSmallIndividual portions, sashimi
500–800gMediumCelebration meals — most popular
800g–1.2 kgLargePresentation dishes, banquets
1.2 kg+JumboUltra-premium celebration centerpieces
Available Forms
Live · Boiled whole · Steamed whole · Grilled (half-shell, frozen)
Packing & Cold Chain
Live: individual seawater/oxygen bags in insulated boxes. Boiled: vacuum-sealed, chilled. Frozen: individually wrapped, blast-frozen.
Sourcing Region
Mie (Ise Bay — the origin of the name), Chiba, Wakayama, Kyushu — coastal reef fisheries. Ise-caught specimens carry premium naming.
Minimum Order
From 1 lobster. Live specimens by pre-order 3–7 days ahead.
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