Kani – [Sushi | Foodlore]

Description

• Kani (Crabs.) – Kanji: 蟹 – Hiragana: かに. Katakana: カニ

• About: Typically the long legs of Arctic king crabs (Tarabagani) and Queen Snow Crabs (Zuwaigani) are served as a premium nigiri, though there are several other types of crabs which are served as well. (I won’t be bothered to draw/list them all here.) Incidentally; “Kanikama” 蟹蒲 is the Japanese name for “imitation crab“, “Crab Sticks” also known as “Surumi” (Ground fish meat, usually Alaskan Pollock.) Is a popular ingredient, most often found in California Rolls served world wide. 

There are many crab-related folktales & stories found across Japan; most famous is probably the “Heikegani” Ghostly Samurai faced crabs found in the Shinomoseki strait – Their shells resemble human faces and they are said to be the reincarnated souls of the Heike, Taira clan samurai who died during the climax of the Genpei war. – (it should probably also be noted here that Heikegani crabs are far too small to bother eating!) – Back when Noh theatre was at the peak of its popularity, there was also a popular Kyogen Skit about crabs called “Kani Yamabushi” which is about a Yamabushi mountain monk who encounters a giant, man eating, riddle posing, yokai crab! 

[Sticker art by @Samkalensky, Part of my Nigiri Sushi/Foodlore collections.]