The flesh of akagai, or ark shell, is pinky orange.
Holding the shell flat in your hand, break a part of the shell near the hinge. then, insert a knife into the hole and work along the edge of the shell to seperate the flesh from the shell.
Then, pry the shell open and insert a knife between the bottom half of the shell and the flesh to remove completely from the shell.
remove the white parts and the hard parts, as well as the filament. The filament can also be eaten, and is braided to make it look attractive.
Slice the flesh and open out, butterflying the flesh. Scrape out the entrails.
Wash with salty water and then rinse with fresh cold water. dry.
Slice a few incisions into the flesh if you use it for nigiri sushi. this will help it to cling to the rice.