Raw small squids: hotaru ika

These are raw squid, and not babies. They are called 'hotaru ika' and only get that big!They are a specialty of the coastal town of Uozu, Toyama Prefecture. An interesting place with the three mysteries of the mirage, the firefly squid and the buried forest. These little squids are actually the firefly squid. At this time of the spring season they light up and glow in the water. I wish that I saw this! This is one of the main places that the small squid are caught. I went there with Koy to film her friend Ryu. We went there in spring which is the special season to eat them. It is considered a delicacy. I had dinner with Koy and Ryu. He recommended that we order some. Koy refused, but I eagerly said yes. I ate all of these on the plate. They slid right down. Now and again I chewed on some of them and it was crunchy. I asked Koy why it was crunchy. She explained it was the brains. Unfortunately they did not glow on my plate, but the next day I felt like I was glowing.