Heikegani



Heikegani is a species of crab (Dorippe japonica), native to Japan, with a shell that has a pattern resmbling a human face. It is widely believed that these crabs are reincarnations of the spirits of the Heike warriors defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Heikegani are rarely eaten, and it is considered proper to throw them back in the sea when caught.