Genki plans to introduce this premium salmon to its Uobei chain and other restaurants, with initial servings expected around summer 2026

Genki Sushi Bets on Land-Based Aquaculture to Revolutionize Salmon Supply

JAPAN
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 05:40 (GMT + 9)

Genki Global Dining partners with Hirayama Ltd. to launch a land-based salmon farm in Kumamoto Prefecture, aiming to secure a stable and sustainable domestic supply for its restaurants.

TOKYO — Genki Global Dining Concepts Inc., a major player in the Japanese sushi industry, is making a bold move to secure its salmon supply by investing in land-based aquaculture. The company has partnered with Hirayama Limited to establish a new land-based salmon farm in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The goal is to ensure a stable supply of high-quality, domestically-produced salmon in a market that is heavily reliant on imports.

Left: Hirayama Co., Ltd. President Hirayama, Right: Genki Global Dining Concepts Co., Ltd. President Fujio

This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the stability of natural seafood resources, which face threats from climate change and overfishing. Japan, a top consumer of salmon for sushi, is particularly vulnerable to price and quality fluctuations due to its high dependence on imported fish. The project aims to address these risks head-on by creating a sustainable, locally-sourced alternative.

Advantages of the "Flowing Water" Method

The new farm will use a cutting-edge "flowing water" method pioneered by Hirayama. This system continuously supplies fresh groundwater, creating a clean, oxygen-rich environment for the fish. This method not only reduces stress on the salmon but also minimizes the risk of parasites and diseases, allowing for a significant reduction in the use of antibiotics.

Hirayama has a strong track record in this field, having already produced its acclaimed "Momotaro Salmon®". This salmon, known for its rich fat content and clean, odor-free flavor, has been praised both domestically and internationally. Genki Global Dining plans to introduce this premium salmon to its Uobei chain and other restaurants, with initial servings expected around summer 2026.

The project is set to begin with 36 tanks and aims for a significant expansion in the future. The partnership could serve as a new model for the restaurant industry, demonstrating that it's possible to combine delicious, high-quality food with resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Both companies also intend to explore farming other fish species and expanding to new regions in the future, with the ultimate goal of promoting "land-farmed salmon from Japan" on the global stage.

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