Abstract The new species Nesotanais ryukyuensis sp. n. is described from Japan. Nesotanais ryukyuensis most closely resembles N. rugula Bamber, Bird & Angsupanich, 2003, but can be distinguished by the length of simple seta on maxillipedal basis and the shape of cheliped in male. A key to species of the genus Nesotanais is given. The male chelipeds of N. rugula are redescribed. The serial ridges on the inner surface of the chelipedal propodus and dactylus in Nesotanais ryukyuensis and N. rugula are likely to be stridulating ridges that might produce sound.