Hanasakigani (Paralithodes brevipes)

　The spiny king crab “Hanasakigani”is actually a type of hermit crab.

　I first tasted it 35 years ago in Nemuro. It was my first visit to eastern Hokkaido during the summer holidays. Every bird I saw was a new sight to me. I popped into Nemuro Station for lunch, where a lady at the fishmonger’s said, ‘It’s delicious, so do give it a try.’ When I put it in my mouth, the sweetness of the crab filled my palate, and I was astonished—wondering what on earth the crab I’d eaten before had actually been.

　The shell and legs are covered in spines, making it a bit of a faff to eat, but the flesh is plump and satisfying.

　Back then, specimens weighing nearly 1 kg were on sale, but nowadays even the smaller ones, weighing around 400 g, cost around 5,000 yen. The peak season is from July to September, and whilst they do appear on the shelves of supermarkets in Nemuro City, only the smaller ones are available, which is why they’re also known as the ‘Legendary Crab’.