Firefly Squid

Firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans), known in Japanese as hotaru ika, are small bioluminescent squid found in the deep waters of the Sea of Japan. They surface to spawn each spring, producing a vivid blue glow visible along the coastlines of Toyama and Hyogo prefectures. Hyogo has the largest catch volume in Japan, while Toyama squid are prized for their larger size and richer flavour. Eaten whole, boiled, and served with vinegared miso, or preserved by canning in soy sauce or miso preparations.