Firefly squid🦑 shabu-shabu.

This is a glimpse of the firefly squid, a specialty of Namerikawa Town in Toyama Prefecture. 🌸 These tiny, fascinating creatures are famous for their bioluminescence, and every spring (March to May), the coast of Namerikawa is enveloped in a magical blue light. This breathtaking sight captivates many tourists.

Beyond their beauty, firefly squid are also a beloved seasonal delicacy in the local area! In the photo, a perfectly boiled firefly squid is being held with chopsticks. Its surprisingly rich, creamy, and profound flavor has captivated many Japanese people.

In the background of the photo, you can see a local cooking method. In the pot above, they are preparing "shabu-shabu" using fresh, raw firefly squid (bottom photo)! Lightly boiling them further enhances their sweetness.

Namerikawa is known as the "City of Firefly Squid," and even has its own dedicated museum! This is a place where you can enjoy freshly caught firefly squid in a shabu-shabu style, and it's a gourmet spot that I highly recommend experiencing if you have the opportunity to visit Japan in the spring😊