The Pacific Sandlance is a small marine fish widely distributed along the coasts of Japan, the East China Sea, and around the Korean Peninsula. Belonging to the order Clupeiformes and family Ammodytidae, it has a slender, needle-like body with a silvery or translucent appearance. Adult fish typically range from 5 to 15 cm in length, earning it the nickname “icefish” for its glassy look.

Sand lances inhabit shallow, sandy seabeds and exhibit strong schooling behavior. Spring is their main spawning and migration season. They feed on plankton and serve as an important food source for many larger fish species. In Japan, they are a significant fishery resource and a popular seasonal delicacy.Known for their tender flesh and sweet flavor, sand lances are rich in protein and calcium. Common cooking methods include simmering in soy sauce (*kugini*), tempura, deep-frying, and drying. Especially in the Kansai region, *kugini*—a soy-simmered preparation of sand lance—is a cherished springtime gift, symbolizing the arrival of the season.