Imu Co., Ltd. Promoting “high value-added fisheries” through public-private collaboration in Shiranuka Tow n, Hokkaido! Established Japan’s first “freshness preservation aquarium facility” for natural yellowtail, and began demo nstration of high fres

[Imu Co., Ltd.] Promoting “high value-added fisheries” through public-private collaboration in Shiranuka Town, Hokkaido! Established Japan’s first “freshness preservation aquarium facility” for natural yellowtail, and started demonstration of high freshness of “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM)︎” aiming for the best quality in the world ​
Imu Co., Ltd. Press release: September 27, 2024 Promoting “high value-added fisheries” through public-private collaboration in Shiranuka Town, Hokkaido! Established Japan’s first “freshness preservation aquarium facility” for natural yellowtail, and started demonstration of high freshness of “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM)︎” aiming for the world’s best quality Aiming to revitalize the local economy and achieve sustainable fishing by developing the new brand “Gokukan Buri (TM)︎ Senjuku” ” Immu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Kohei Kuroda, hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), which is working on regional
revitalization with the concept of “rooting roots in the region and revitalizing Japan”, is a DX of the fishing industry promoted by Shiranuka Town, Hokkaido. As part of the In collaboration with the Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative Association, we established Japan’s first *1 “freshness preservation aquarium facility” for natural yellowtail, with the aim of further increasing the value of Shiranuka Town’s branded yellowtail “Gokukan Buri (TM)”. We have started a demonstration experiment. *1. Researched by Immu Co., Ltd.
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From left: Mr. Tadayuki Tomita, Chairman of Shiranuka Town Assembly, Mr. Takao Tanano, Mayor of Shiranuka Town, Mr. Akira Yamada, Chairman of Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative, Kohei Kuroda, Representative of Imu Co., Ltd., Mr. Taro Kimura, Representative of Kimura Fisheries Department, Mr. Kumotsu, Representative of Ichiyamani Kumotsu Fisheries Department. Mr. Hayato Currently, Japan’s fishing industry is facing a variety of issues, including changes in fish species due to environmental changes such as global warming, the aging of fishermen, and a lack of successors. The fishing industry in Shiranuka Town, Hokkaido is no exception. As the salmon catch, which had been the main source of income, decreased, the town branded the abundant yellowtail as a new fishery resource for the town, branding it as “Gokukan Buri (TM)” and working to commercialize it. It’s done. As part of this initiative, we have established Japan’s first “freshness preservation tank facility” for wild yellowtail on the site of a former auction hall adjacent to Shiranuka Fishing Port. At this facility, yellowtail caught in fixed net fishing off the coast of Shiranuka are kept in aquariums for several days. By applying the “low activity utilization technology (TM)” provided by Reverser Co., Ltd., we reduce the stress on the fish body by reducing the activity of the yellowtail. In addition, by emptying the stomach before closing it without feeding, it prevents the contents of the stomach from oxidizing due to putrefaction, making it possible to maintain freshness for a long period of time.Even if raw, it will stay fresh for about a week. In this demonstration, we aim to increase the flavor through aging, and we are currently developing a new brand, “Gokukan Buri (TM)︎ Senjuku.” Expected to be sold primarily to chefs and restaurants in Japan and overseas, the product allows cooks to choose the balance between freshness and ripeness by controlling the timing and method of tightening the fish. We aim to provide the highest quality and delicious yellowtail for cooks. Japan’s first natural yellowtail “freshness preservation aquarium facility” Yellowtail caught in fixed net fishing off the coast of Shiranuka from early September to November are kept in aquariums for several days. The stress on the fish body is reduced by applying the “Low Activity Technology (TM)” provided by Reverser Co., Ltd. to reduce the activity of yellowtail. Unlike in aquaculture, the animals are not fed food, so their stomachs are completely emptied during breeding. After that, we perform live tightening, blood removal, and nerve tightening. By taking this much time and effort after fishing, it is possible to maintain the freshness for a long time, and even raw fish can stay fresh for about a week. It also increases the taste and transparency of the meat. By controlling the timing and method of tightening the fish, we aim to achieve the best freshness and flavor, and provide world-class high quality and delicious yellowtail. This is the first attempt in Japan to improve the freshness of natural yellowtail under such activity control. This will lead to the creation of jobs for fishermen on days when they cannot go fishing due to stormy weather, and is expected to revitalize the fishing industry as a whole. We aim to sell “Gokukan Buri (TM)︎ Senju” to chefs and restaurants in Japan and overseas.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-83035b0d83e812d9eac2d298dc671e2b-3900×2600.jpg Facility overview Official name: Sirarica Co., Ltd. Freshness preservation aquarium facility Address: 1-2-42 Misaki, Shiranuka-cho, Shiranuka-gun, Hokkaido Site area: 161.47 square meters Number of water tanks: 4 tanks Structure: One-story wooden building Start of operation: September 2024 “Gokukanburi (TM)” went from being a nuisance to a brand of Shiranuka Town In Shiranuka Town, the catch of yellowtail is rapidly increasing while the catch of salmon is decreasing, but there is no local custom of eating yellowtail, and local fishermen consider it a nuisance that cannot be substituted for salmon. . As of 2022, the price per kilo of yellowtail produced in Shiranuka Town is as low as 263 yen, and while high-quality yellowtail from other prefectures is being traded for more than 4,000 yen per kg, we are collaborating with the Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative Association to sell yellowtail. We decided to work on branding and industrialization. When we provided Shiranuka-produced yellowtail to chefs in the Tokyo metropolitan area on a trial basis, although there was room for improvement in the processing method, the fish itself was evaluated as being of very high quality, so we were able to raise the unit price by improving the quality. With this conviction, we created “Gokukan Buri (TM)” and developed fatty yellowtail grown in the harsh seas of Hokkaido as a regional brand, aiming to revitalize the local economy and mainly as a return gift for hometown tax donations. It is expanding.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-80ee90474825e9a97c353b2758218e77-2000×1333.jpg Rules for using the name “Gokukanburi (TM)” ・Caught at the Hokkaido Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative ・The animals must be treated one by one by exsanguination on board. ・The fish body must be over 7 kg Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-e34f06edfddc26693dc8ed07e11b436b-1697×1200.jpg History so far October 2022 | Test marketing Developed “zuke” using fillets of wild yellowtail caught by the Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative, which is rapidly increasing in number. We put up 200 sets as return gifts for hometown tax donations, and they sold out in just 6 days.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-6da7cf287b34e3849f0200090bdb4aca-1120×689.jpg September 2023 | Full-scale production and seafood processing plant established A seafood processing plant was established in Shiranuka Town at a construction cost of approximately 100 million yen. The 1,500 servings of “Gokukan Buri (TM)︎” processed products such as shabu-shabu were sold out in about two and a half months.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-ed5f01709ed2b89fbe36c1e28dd3ae44-3900×2600.jpg August 2024 | Establishment of freshness preservation aquarium facility This facility was established to increase the value of the fish itself. Demonstration experiments will begin in September 2024. Development of “Gokukan Buri (TM)︎ Selection” is underway.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-c643540af76e0564a9d3a7c175a55ac3-3900×2600.jpg Rules for using the name “Gokukanburi (TM) Senju” – Landed at Hokkaido Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative ・The fish body must be over 7 kg ・Activation and nerve tightening after low activity treatment in a freshness preservation aquarium facility Comment
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-afbe430b69a4e3020aeb40d7f1a84ce8-2048×1365.jpg Shiranuka Town Mayor Takao Tanano Shiranuka Town Mayor | Takao Tanano Shiranuka Town’s rich local resources, such as nature and climate, are the town’s treasures and the source of its strength. We recognize that firmly supporting primary industries such as agriculture, fishing, and forestry, which are our core industries, and developing them in a sustainable manner is extremely important in “urban development” for the future. In order to respond to urgent issues such as the declining birthrate, aging population, and population decline, we are developing various measures such as childcare, education, and settlement support, but increasing the income of producers is also an essential point. We believe that this initiative, which flexibly responds to changes in the environment while protecting and nurturing important marine resources and creating new developments in the fishing industry, will definitely lead to the future of the town, and the public and private sectors will work together to promote it. We will do so.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-5d5fc0d5c3b50b0da535e496b18816a9-2048×1365.jpg Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative Association Chairman Akira Yamada Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative Association Chairman | Akira Yamada We are focusing on marine environmental conservation and resource management for sustainable fishing. In addition, we plan to deepen our collaboration with the town and focus on increasing the added value of local marine products. We have been working together with Imyu to create a high-value-added fishery, including branding the “Gokukan Buri (TM).” We hope that this new facility will further improve the value of local marine products and lead to increased incomes for fishermen. Although this is the first initiative in the country, we would like to work together to promote sustainable fishing.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-2cd9c8aefa0369c8878714250ddc260a-2048×1365.jpg Mr. Taro Kimura, Kimura Fisheries Department Ltd. Kimura Fisheries Department Ltd.｜Taro Kimura We have undertaken numerous challenges to increase the value of fish caught in Shiranuka. About 15 years ago, I began practicing “katsujime”, which was still rare at the time, and further honed my technique of “nerve removal”. As the amount of fish caught is decreasing across Japan, we believe that in order to protect marine resources and aim for sustainable fishing, it is necessary to increase the value of each fish, even if the amount caught decreases. . With this new initiative, we will be able to further improve the value of Shiranuka’s “Gokukan Buri (TM),” which we have been branding. From here in Shiranuka, we would like to offer high quality, fresh and delicious yellowtail that will please even the most discerning palate.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-1e102924594b45b33646d9f077e98549-2048×1365.jpg Immu Co., Ltd. Representative Director Kohei Kuroda Immu Co., Ltd. Representative Director | Kohei Kuroda Currently, Shiranuka Town’s fishing industry is facing many issues. Changes in fish species due to changes in the fishing ground environment and the aging of fishermen are common issues faced by fisheries across Japan. In order to establish Shiranuka Town’s yellowtail as a new fishery resource, where the fall salmon harvest was poor and the catch was abundant, we collaborated with fishermen, fishermen’s cooperatives, and the town hall, and branded it as “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM).” In 2023, we built a processing factory in Shiranuka. With this newly introduced “freshness preservation aquarium facility,” we aim to further improve the value of “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM).” We plan to expand this initiative to other fish species in the future, and we believe that this initiative, starting in Shiranuka Town, has great potential to brighten the future of Japan’s fishing industry. Situation of the day At the preview held on September 18, 2024, interested parties and reporters attended and received explanations about the “high-value-added fisheries” and demonstration experiments at the “freshness preservation tank facility” promoted by Shiranuka Town. Participants gave their impressions of the positive impact on local fisheries through tasting the “Gokukan Buri (TM)︎ Senjuku,” and drew attention to future developments. Our company will continue to conduct demonstration experiments and aim to expand the market both domestically and internationally while working to further improve the technology. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-1a96f4c14879b2aef36bfb781cb3ae4f-2048×1367.jpg Approximately 30 people gathered, including Shiranuka fisheries officials.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-ac44be4ba5b007a769b119906333e9fb-3900×2603.jpg Briefing session held at Shiranuka Fisheries Cooperative Association
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-fa7a69713edc8dc6ee9cbc71fd294830-2048×1368.jpg Preview of freshness preservation aquarium facility
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-7ba1ec3cedda4b86a488d0fd134a3191-2048×1368.jpg There was a lot of media coverage, and I felt there was a lot of interest
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-1b8eff4d4521d95c5f991ecd0f183d3f-3900×2603.jpg Tasting event to compare “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM)” and “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM) Senju”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/81865/46/81865-46-f1fd4af04de6ebff39867c0d386faf6a-2048×1368.jpg Mayor Tanano: “It’s delicious. This initiative to deliver it to consumers while preserving its freshness may be a turning point.” ■Overview of Immu Co., Ltd. Based on the concept of “rooting in the region and revitalizing Japan,” we are creating industries by branding local resources. In September 2022, we will begin providing the “Furusato Repeat Map” (patent pending/patent application 2022-144015), a continuous donation visualization system for local governments that pay hometown tax payments. In addition, we have a base in Shiranuka-cho, Hokkaido, where we develop, process and manufacture products such as “Gokukan Yellowtail (TM)” and Shishamo, while also supporting local governments such as hometown tax payments and promoting the town, and promoting primary industry. We are promoting branding that combines production, sales channels, and regional PR. In order to spread the word about Japan’s proud food manufacturing industry to the world, we are working to address local social issues. Company name: Immu Co., Ltd. Location: Biz-Field Meguro 3F, 3-15-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Representative: Kohei Kuroda Established: April 2021 Business: Hometown tax support business, brand development business, product development business Homepage: https://www.immue.co.jp/ Official note :
https://note.com/immue_inc