Top Japanese Hard Clam Fishing Countries

The Japanese hard clam (*Meretrix lusoria*), also known as the Asari clam, is a bivalve mollusk native to East Asia, prized for its sweet, tender flesh and commonly used in Japanese cuisine. This species thrives in brackish coastal waters and tidal flats, making it a staple of both wild fisheries and aquaculture. Japan is the leading country in harvesting Japanese hard clams, with a well-established industry that includes both wild collection and extensive farming, particularly in regions like Chiba and Aichi Prefectures. Other significant producers include China, South Korea, and Taiwan, where the clam is both fished from the wild and cultivated in managed beds. These countries have developed sustainable practices and advanced aquaculture techniques to meet high domestic and export demand, making the Japanese hard clam an economically important species throughout East Asia.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.