Kagawa prefecture products

Iidako(Ocellated octopus)

Photo of octopus

Iidako is a small octopus ranging in size from about 5 to 20 centimetres long. Before the spawning season, the female's body (the part that looks like the head) is filled with oval-shaped eggs, which look like grains of rice, hence the name <i>ii</i> (rice) <i>dako</i> (octopus). Iidako live in sandy soil at depths of up to 20 meters and prefer an inland bay-like environment, making the Bisan Seto area a particularly special area for Iidako. In Kagawa Prefecture, commercial Iidako fishing is conducted from autumn to early spring, and Iidako fishing is also popular as a leisure activity. Iidako females carrying eggs have a unique flavor, and this flavour can be said to be the representative taste of Kagawa in winter. Even if the octopus is not carrying eggs, the flavour is still delicious and Iidako are used in a variety of local dishes.

Seasonal season
Time to go around Peak season (seasonal season)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Main production area
Bisan Seto
  • The best part about the small size of the Iidako is that you can bite into them whole from the head up. A good broth can be made with the meat of the octopus, which is why the whole octopus is often stewed in "iidako oden" in Kagawa Prefecture. Iidako can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as <i>imotako</i> (iidako boiled together with taro), sashimi, tempura, carpaccio, or simply dressed with vinegared miso. It also contains high quality protein and taurine, making it a must-eat seasonal delicacy from a health perspective.

Twitter Facebook LINE PLURK WeChat

Prefectural products company

Recipe using this prefecture product

RERATED PRODUCTS