Squid (ika) can be found in all seas off the coast of Japan in varieties that vary depending on the region and season. Colder areas harbor Japanese common squid (surume-ika), while warmer regions shelter bigfin reef squid (aori-ika), red squid (aka-ika) or spear squid (yari-ika) depending on the season. Their translucent flesh is mainly enjoyed nigiri style with wasabi, soy sauce and sometimes perilla leaf.