The Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum), a commonly eaten littleneck clam in Japan used in miso soup, steamed dishes, pasta, etc.
昨夜はあさりの味噌汁を作った。
I made miso soup with clams last night.
市場で新鮮なあさりを一キロ買った。
I bought a kilogram of fresh clams at the market.
あさりは酒蒸しやボンゴレビアンコなどのパスタにもよく使われる。
Clams are often used for sake-steamed dishes and pasta like vongole bianco.
休日に家族で潮干狩りに行き、あさりをたくさん採った。
We went clam digging as a family on the holiday and collected many clams.