Integrating Procurement, Processing and Sales through the Wild-Caught Fish Project

「In May 2026, we began selling the large fresh mackerel raised to approximately 800g from artificial fry through what can be considered the world's first AI-powered aquaculture technology promoted by KURAおさかなファーム株式会社. The product was sold for a limited period at selected restaurants and was very well received, particularly for its exceptional fat content.」

「Through AI-enabled smart aquaculture at KURAおさかなファーム株式会社, a specialized fisheries company that was the first of its kind in the industry, we have successfully raised mackerel from artificially produced seed stock to a large size of approximately 800 g. This can be considered the world's first aquaculture technology of its kind. Fisheries operators had regarded raising fish to this size as difficult to achieve, but it became possible through AI technology and the dedication of KURAおさかなファーム employees. Although sales are limited to a specific period and selected restaurants, we began selling the fish as large fresh mackerel on 15 May 2026. It has an excellent fat content and has been very well received.」

「Using AI-powered smart aquaculture, we successfully raised mackerel from artificial fry to a large size of approximately 800g. This aquaculture technology can be considered the world's first.」

「With the sustainability of Japan's fisheries in mind, we will work with many fisheries cooperatives to deliver Japan's wild-caught fish, surrounded as the country is by the sea, to consumers, and seek to expand our market share and improve earnings by enhancing the competitiveness of our products.」

「In November 2022, the initiatives of Smart Kura Sushi, a contactless service, and KURAおさかなファーム, which aims to revitalize the fisheries industry, among others, received comprehensive recognition and were selected for the Japan Service Awards by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.」

「As a company handling a wide range of seafood and supporting part of the food-service infrastructure, we aim to secure a stable and sustainable supply of seafood by cooperating with seafood businesses and entering the aquaculture industry, thereby contributing to the conservation of marine resources and the sustainable development of fisheries.」

「In November 2021, we established the seafood aquaculture company KURAおさかなファーム株式会社 to help conserve marine resources and promote the sustainable development of the fisheries industry. As Japan's seafood industry continues to shrink, we will continue working to achieve sustainable fisheries, a stable supply of ingredients, and the provision of high-quality, reasonably priced sushi, while seeking to create a competitive business model using AI and IoT.」

「To contribute to the sustainable development of the fisheries industry, we have also begun farming Organic Hamachi, which is the first aquaculture operation in Japan to manage the production process from feed manufacturing through farming and product processing and has received organic seafood certification from a third-party organization.」

「With the sustainability of Japan's fisheries in mind, we will work with many fisheries cooperatives to deliver Japan's wild-caught fish, surrounded as the country is by the sea, to consumers, and seek to expand our market share and improve earnings by enhancing the competitiveness of our products in a mature market.」

「The Shun no Kiwa-mi series, which began in March 2019 as a limited-time offering of premium seasonal ingredients, has included Shimonoseki natural tiger pufferfish, Hamo Tempura Sushi, Hokkaido Overflowing Salmon Roe and wild-caught bluefin tuna, all of which have been well received by customers.」

「In March 2019, we launched the Seasonal Premium Series, offering high-end seasonal ingredients. Through collaboration with more than 100 fisheries cooperatives with which we have built relationships over more than 10 years, we will continue proposing fresh ingredients, including domestically caught wild longtooth grouper, thick-cut cherry sea bream, thick-cut straw-roasted young bonito and freshly seared eel, in each season when they are at their most delicious and nutritious.」

「In March 2019, we became the first major conveyor-belt sushi chain to launch KURA BURGER (¥250 before tax), a hamburger created through the "100% Fish Project," an initiative to use wild-caught fish without waste.」

「Against the backdrop of a strong financial position, we will continue to make strategic investments in Japan and overseas to secure stable procurement of raw materials while providing a comfortable dining environment.」

「The company invested in the Kaizuka Center, which began operations in October 2016 for the processing of natural fish.」

「The Natural Fish Project was launched in April 2015, and operations began in October 2016 at the Kaizuka Center, a natural-fish processing facility in Kaizuka, Osaka Prefecture, built with a total investment of ¥2.7 billion. Based on the principle of purchasing an entire vessel's catch, naturally caught fish landed at fishing ports in the morning are brought to the Kaizuka Center within as little as 3.5 hours, processed efficiently, and delivered as fresh sushi-grade fish to approximately 200 restaurants, mainly in the Kansai region.」