Kani comes from the Japanese word 'kanikama/ surimi' meaning  imitation crab, which is mostly seen in Japanese sushi, Here in the US it is used in California rolls . Imitation crab as the name suggests is a highly processed real crab substitute. It is made with ground pollock fish, starch and other additives that give the flavor and texture of crab meat but ironically doesn't contain crab. The shape comes from pressing the contents into sticks to look like crab legs. Orange or red coloring is added to give the final finish to resemble the crab leg meat.