Odate City is currently breeding the endangered Japanese crayfish, a species endemic to Japan. [Akita Prefecture]

Japanese crayfish, found only north of Odate

The Japanese crayfish is a crayfish native to Japan, and lives in the cool, clean rivers and lakes of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures.

Odate City is said to be the southernmost limit for Japanese crayfish has been designated a national natural monument (area) as a "crayfish habitat" is working on a "crayfish habitat" these efforts are currently on display at the Odate Local Museum

Several habitats for Japanese crayfish have been found in Odate City, but their locations have not been made public

Originally, the only crayfish found in Japan was the Japanese crayfish (Cranius nihonensis), so in ancient times, there was no specific name for it; it was simply called a crayfish

In kanji, it's written as砂利蟹 So, a crayfish is a "crab that lives in gravel" (Wikipedia and other sources also list alternative theories; please refer to them).

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Crayfish were imported from the United States for food and have proliferated

Although Japan only had Japanese crayfish, around 1927, American crayfish were imported from New Orleans, USA, to be used as feed for farming bullfrogs, which were used for food.

The American bullfrog is also native to America and was imported to alleviate the shortage of food resources during the Taisho and early Showa periods. However, it did not become established as a food source, and farming ceased before the Pacific War

The bullfrog farm was abandoned, and along with the remaining bullfrogs, the American crayfish also multiplied rapidly due to their strong reproductive ability, eventually escaping the farm and quickly expanding their habitat

Currently, American crayfish can be found all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. They are about 15 cm long, red or reddish-brown in color, and are found in abundance in freshwater rice paddies and waterways, and can survive in any poor quality water

In 2023, a conditional alien species , and it is now prohibited to release it into ponds or other places without permission, or to sell, distribute, purchase, or import it (it is not prohibited to keep it at home or give it away free of charge).

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The signal crayfish was imported from Canada for consumption and is gradually expanding its habitat

There is another invasive species of crayfish in Japan. Uchida crayfish) and mainly inhabits Hokkaido.

The signal crayfish (Uchida crayfish) is a species of crayfish found in Canada and the northern United States, growing up to about 15 centimeters in length. It has a greenish-brown color

In 1926, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries imported them for food, and successful aquaculture was achieved in Lake Mashu, Hokkaido. However, they were not successful as a food source, and due to their strong reproductive capacity and aggressive nature, they became feral and spread throughout Hokkaido

Their aggressive nature, often involving cannibalism, poses a threat to Japanese crayfish and other native aquatic animals in Japan. In the 2000s, they were confirmed to be living in Chiba Prefecture, as well as Fukushima, Tochigi, Nagano, and Shiga Prefectures

The signal crayfish is designated as a specified invasive alien species are included in the "100 worst invasive alien species in Japan."

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Attacked by the American crayfish from the south and the signal crayfish from the north, the Japanese crayfish is on the verge of extinction

Japanese crayfish are about 4 to 7 cm long, and are smaller than American crayfish and signal crayfish, which can grow up to 15 cm, with rounded shells and bodies with little waist. Their basic color is brown, but this can vary depending on the individual, and it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish them from other crayfish

The Japanese crayfish has a very gentle temperament and does not attack other crayfish. Moreover, its habitat is narrow, ranging from northern Tohoku to Hokkaido, and its reproductive capacity is low, so it is being invaded by aggressive invasive species and is facing the threat of extinction

If you happen to find a Japanese crayfish while strolling around, please report it to the Odate Local History Museum

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The Odate Local History Museum exhibits the historical heritage and traditional crafts of Odate and promotes conservation activities for natural monuments

The Odate Local Museum, which continues to protect and breed Japanese crayfish, is a facility that houses a large collection of materials related to the ancient history of the Odate region, as well as agriculture, forestry, mining, and nature, as well as historical heritage and traditional local crafts, some of which can be exhibited and learned about.

"Magewappa" crafts which are said to have originated in the Odate region , and has a large number of permanent exhibits, including Magewappa excavated from ruins from the Heian period, as well as everyday items and works of art.

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Magewappa was made by feudal domains during the Edo period as a side job for samurai

The Odate region the Shirakami Production Area, a World Heritage Site , and is home to a vast forest of natural Akita cedars along with beech forests. It is said that the production of bento boxes using Akita cedars became popular during the Edo period when the Satake Nishi family, who were the castellans of Odate Castle in the Kubota Domain (Akita Domain), encouraged lower-ranking samurai to make them as a side job.

Thin strips of cedar bark are peeled off and soaked in hot water, then bent once softened and finally sewn with wild cherry bark to secure the pieces in place. Today, bento boxes are the most popular product, but back then, various everyday items such as trays and ladles were also made

Magewappa, which are now featured in Akita Ondo songs, were designated as a national traditional craft in 1980 (Showa 55). Although it takes a little time, there are workshops in the city where you can experience making your own bento box. If you are interested, please contact the Odate Magewappa Cooperative Association

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