Uni Miso Onigiri Featuring Steamed Sea Urchin from Kita-Sanriku Factory Was Available at 7-Eleven in Aomori and Miyagi
editor@ksf
投稿日：2025年6月5日
Uni Miso Onigiri Featuring Steamed Sea Urchin from Kita-Sanriku Factory Was Available at 7-Eleven in Aomori and Miyagi
In April 2025, 7-Eleven stores across Aomori and Miyagi prefectures offered a limited-edition Uni Miso Onigiri made with premium steamed sea urchin from Kita-Sanriku Factory Ltd..
Kita-Sanriku Factory is tackling the issue of “Isoyake”—the degradation of coastal marine ecosystems—through its regenerative aquaculture technology for sea urchins. Its sustainably farmed sea urchin was selected as the key ingredient for the miso blend used in the new onigiri developed in partnership with Seven-Eleven Japan Co. The product was available at approximately 100 Seven-Eleven stores in Aomori and Miyagi prefectures (as of February 2025) for a limited time from 1st April 2025. By increasing the consumption of sea urchin which is one of the causes of “Iso-yake”, we can help restore seaweed-rich coastal ecosystems.
“Sea Urchin Miso Onigiri,” A Taste of Sanriku that burts with flavor
This product uses Northern Sea Urchin carefully cultivated by fishermen in the town of Hirono, Iwate prefecture. Juvenile urchins are released into the sea and later transferred to a coastal Sea Urchin Ranch®, where they are fed a rich diet of kelp. Once matured, the sea urchins are steamed to concentrate their umami flavor. The resulting “steamed sea urchin” is then combined with Sendai miso, a rice miso that has been aged for a long time, to create the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Wrapped in rice from the Tohoku region, this onigiri offers a delicious way to “taste Tohoku” and enjoy the essence of the Sanriku seashore in every bite.
Product name: “Uni (sea urchin) miso rice ball using steamed sea urchin from Hirono Town”
Price: 320 yen (345.6 yen including tax)
Eating is the Answer to “Iso-yake”s. Initiatives to Enrich the World’s Oceans
In recent years, “Iso-yake,” or the drying up of coastal seaweed beds where marine plants once thrived, has become a serious problem. One of the causes is overgrazing by marine organisms such as sea urchins, which consume all the seaweed.In areas where these seaweed beds have already disappeared, the remaining “skinny sea urchins” on the seafloor are considered unmarketable and often discarded due to their poor quality and lack of commercial value. Along with the depletion of seaweed beds, the catch of sea urchin as a commodity is also declining, creating a vicious cycle.
Kita-Sanriku Factory has succeeded in improving the quality of sea urchin, which has lost its economic value due to rocky shore depletion, using proprietary technology established in collaboration with Hokkaido University, etc. In June 2025, a large-scale land-based aquaculture facility will be constructed to establish a highly efficient production system. Our goal is to enrich the world’s oceans byt ackling climate change with cutting-edge Japanese technology while providing a delicious experience unparalleled anywhere in the world.
We believe that creating a sustainable cycle of “eating sea urchin” → “decreasing the number of sea urchins in the sea” → “increasing seaweed” → “ensuring biodiversity in the sea” is essential to bringing life back to our oceans. We will accelerate this cycle, and at the same time, we will provide a tasty solution to the global issue of “Iso-yake”.
About Seven-Eleven Japan Co.
Seven-Eleven Japan is the franchise chain headquarters for the Seven-Eleven convenience store chain, which operates more than 21,000 stores nationwide. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including mid-sized meals such as rice balls, boxed lunches, and prepared foods, as well as daily necessities and government services. With a focus on being a “close and convenient” presence in customers’ daily lives, Seven-Eleven Japan continues to evolve as a reliable and accessible neighborhood store.
About Kita-Sanriku Factory
Kita-Sanriku Factory is a leading company developing high-quality sea urchin brands in the town of Hirono, Iwate Prefecture, home to the world’s only “Sea Urchin Farm ®︎”. With the mission of “Enriching the world’s oceans from Kita Sanriku,” the company is leveraging its expertise in raising high-quality sea urchins to connect with the world through its new “sea urchin regenerative aquaculture system” technology and promote initiatives to create a sustainable future for the marine industry. We established an Australian corporation in 2023 and are expanding our business both domestically and internationally.
Kita-Sanriku Factory Featured in WeAreAquaculture for SBIR-backed Sea Urchin Aquaculture Project
We are honored to share that Kita-Sanriku Factory has been featured in WeAreAquaculture, a California-based international aquaculture media outlet, for our pioneering work in land-based sea urchin aquaculture in Japan. This initiative is supported by Japan’s SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, and aims to establish a sustainable model of sea urchin farming through habitat restoration and innovation.
The article highlights our collaborative efforts with local fisheries, our commitment to marine ecosystem revitalization, and our broader vision for expanding sustainable aquaculture practices.
Inaugural Australia UNI (Sea Urchin) Summit Strengthens Japan-Australia Partnerships for Marine Restoration and Industry Innovation
HOBART, TASMANIA – The inaugural Australia UNI (Sea Urchin) Summit, held at the Salamanca Inn and Mures Tasmania over 21 and 22 May, showcased the power of collaboration between Japan and Australia in tackling shared marine challenges and advancing sustainable industry innovation.
Jointly organized by Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc., General Incorporated Association moova, and the University of Tasmania, the summit welcomed around 60 participants—including scientists, seafood industry leaders, chefs, and policymakers from both countries. The program focused on restoring Tasmania’s kelp forests—damaged in part by overpopulated long-spined sea urchins—and unlocking the economic potential of Australian sea urchins for both domestic and international markets.
This landmark event was made possible through support from the Australia–Japan Foundation (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, reflecting the shared commitment of both governments to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
Yukinori Shitautsubo, Representative Director of Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc., highlighted the value of international cooperation:
“This summit symbolizes the strength of the Australia–Japan partnership in addressing environmental challenges and creating new economic opportunities. Together, we aim to restore marine ecosystems and build industries that benefit both nations.”
Key Highlights
Restoring Marine Ecosystems: Coordinated efforts to rehabilitate Tasmania’s iconic kelp forests, vital for biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Economic Opportunities: Strategies to grow sustainable industries based on Tasmanian sea urchins, supported by bilateral expertise and market insights.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Strengthening ties between Japanese and Australian researchers, industry leaders, and communities through shared knowledge and joint initiatives.
Dr. John Keane, Wild Fisheries Program Leader at IMAS, emphasized the broader significance of the summit:
“This summit demonstrates how Japan and Australia can collaborate to address complex environmental issues while also fostering economic growth and cross-cultural relationships. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through partnership.”
The summit also paved the way for pilot projects focused on kelp forest restoration and sea urchin management, integrating scientific knowledge and industry innovation from both countries.
Mikiko Makka, Managing Director of moova, added:
“By bringing together leaders from Japan and Australia, we are advancing not just marine sustainability but also meaningful, long-term relationships. These partnerships are essential to achieving shared goals and mutual prosperity.”
Acknowledgments
The organizers extend their sincere thanks to the Australia–Japan Foundation for fostering bilateral collaboration and to the Tasmanian Government for its ongoing leadership in sustainable marine initiatives.
About the Organizers
Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc.: A leader in sustainable aquaculture from Japan, dedicated to ecological restoration and marine resource utilization.
General Incorporated Association moova: An organization promoting sustainability, innovation, and cultural exchange on the marine environment.
University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS): A globally recognized research institute specializing in marine ecosystems and environmental science.
Kita-Sanriku Factory and Yanmar Launch Pilot Project for Land-Based Sea Urchin Aquaculture
Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., and Kita-Sanriku Factory Co., Ltd. launched a full-scale pilot project on April 1, 2025, to develop a land-based sea urchin aquaculture system aimed at addressing “Isoyake”, or coastal ocean desertification.
The project is part of the Japan’s Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program, which was selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in October 2024. The project, with a total budget of 920 million yen, will focus on scalable, short-term aquaculture technology for deployment both in Japan and overseas.
The two companies will construct a large-scale land-based aquaculture facility in Hirono, Iwate Prefecture, with completion scheduled for autumn 2025. The facility will showcase UNI-VERSE systems®, an aquaculture solution designed to accelerate sea urchin growth and improve quality. The goal is to demonstrate efficient breeding systems capable of producing high-quality sea urchins for both local markets and export.
Tackling Isoyake with Regenerative Aquaculture
Isoyake, or coastal ocean desertification, a growing environmental issue characterized by the loss of seaweed beds along Japan’s coastal areas. In response to the threat of ocean desertification, which is partially attributed to overgrazing of seaweed by marine organisms such as sea urchins, Kita-Sanriku Factory has started an initiative called “Sea Urchin Regeneration and Cultivation”. This project aims to transform undernourished sea urchins – previously discarded as having no commercial value – into premium seafood products. By feeding the sea urchins for a short period of time, the company was able to greatly improve the size, color, and quality, and succeeded in realizing a taste comparable to that of the natural product. This advancement also enables year-round shipping, including the winter months when sea urchin are typically not available. It is also expected that the land-based aquaculture system will allow seaweed beds to recover, alleviating the problem of Isoyake.
This system was developed over more than seven years in collaboration with Associate Professor Ura and his team at Hokkaido University. The sea urchin feed “Hagukumutane®” and the structure of the fish tank and water tank are patented technologies of the Kita-Sanriku Factory.
■ Yanmar Holdings’ Aquaculture-Related Technologies for Sustainable Fisheries
The Yanmar Group brings extensive expertise in land-based aquaculture systems, including fish tanks, automated tank washers, and shellfish seed technologies. The company’s advanced fluid analysis and automatic cleaning technologies will help optimize environmental controls in the new aquaculture system. Together with Kita-Sanriku Factory, Yanmar aims to refine the UNI-VERSE systems® technology to enable the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality sea urchins for export.
■Global Reach and Export Plans
While international demand for Japanese sea urchins is increasing, securing a high-quality supply has become more difficult due to a rise in the number of “skinny” sea urchins with extremely small gonads, the edible part of sea urchins. The regenerative aquaculture model developed by Kita-Sanriku Factory, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Fisheries Science of Hokkaido University and other research institutions, aims to address this supply gap and promote sustainable practices worldwide.
Kita-Sanriku Factory plans to export UNI-VERSE systems® sea urchins to the EU, the U.S., Dubai, Thailand, and other countries around the world. In 2025, the company will exhibit at four major seafood fairs in the world in Barcelona, Boston, Dubai, and Bangkok, establishing a global commercial distribution network.
About Yanmar
Founded in Osaka in 1912, Yanmar was the first industrial machinery manufacturer in the world to successfully commercialize a compact diesel engine in 1933. In the fields of “land,” “sea,” and “city,” Yanmar is globally expanding its business in agriculture, construction machinery, marine, energy systems, and other fields, centered on engines and other powertrains. Aiming to be an environmentally burden-free and GHG-free company, we provide solutions that create value for our customers. Based on Yanmar’s “HANASAKA” values, which nurture the future, we will realize “A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE” as our brand statement.
Kita-Sanriku Factory is a leading company developing high-quality sea urchin brands in the town of Hirono, Iwate Prefecture, home to the world’s only “Sea Urchin Farm ®︎”. With the mission of “Enriching the world’s oceans from Kita Sanriku,” the company is leveraging its expertise in raising high-quality sea urchins to connect with the world through its new “sea urchin regenerative aquaculture system” technology and promote initiatives to create a sustainable future for the marine industry. We established an Australian corporation in 2023 and are expanding our business both domestically and internationally.
Yukinori Shitautsubo, CEO of Kita-Sanriku Factory, has been selected for Forbes JAPAN NEXT100
The “NEXT100” is an annual feature project by Forbes JAPAN, which selects 100 next-generation entrepreneurs from across the country who are engaged in innovative businesses and initiatives of high social significance.
In this year’s selection, we were highly praised for its regenerative aquaculture model that restores seaweed beds and ecosystems while adding value to sea urchins that have lost their original value due to rocky shore scorching in areas where rocky shore scorching is becoming more serious. Furthermore, our CEO’s attitude of opening up new possibilities for the global fisheries industry based on the recycling of local resources has led to expectations that he is an entrepreneur who will lead the blue economy.
Commencement of Land-based Sea Urchin Aquaculture Trial with Deakin University Using the Australian “Hagukumu-Tane®”
In April 2025, KSF Australia Pty Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc., commenced a land-based aquaculture trial with Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, Victoria’s leading marine research institution at Deakin University. The trial uses the Australian “HAGUKUMU-TANE®”, a formulated feed for sea urchins originally co-developed with Associate Prof Ura Kazuhiro of the Graduate School of Fisheries Science at Hokkaido University.
“Zombie” sea urchin from Port Phillip Bay, VictoriaProfessor Tim Dempster, Director of Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, with Yuki Shitautsubo, CEO of Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc.
The trial is being conducted at the Deakin Queenscliff Marine Science Centre, located along the coast of Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, Australia. The feed “HAGUKUMU-TANE®,” has been produced using locally sourced Australian ingredients. The trial aims to evaluate its efficacy in the roe enhancement and the quality improvement of malnourished sea urchins.
In recent years, the population of the purple sea urchin (Heliocidaris erythrogramma), a species native to Australia, has dramatically increased in Port Phillip Bay. A 2019/2020 survey estimated that approximately 125 million individuals (around 9,700 tonnes) inhabit the bay*1. Furthermore, it is reported that at least 60% of reefs in the bay have been impacted by urchin barrens, where overgrazing by sea urchins has led to ecological degradation*2. Several areas have already reported the loss of over 90% of their seaweed beds*3, highlighting the urgent need for countermeasures.
To address this issue, KSF Australia established a consortium in 2023 in collaboration with Deakin University, The Nature Conservancy, an international environmental NGO, and Yumbah Aquaculture, Australia’s largest shellfish aquaculture company specialising in abalone, oysters and mussels. This joint experiment is being carried out under the framework of the consortium. We will continue to work collaboratively to establish a new business model that contributes to marine ecosystem restoration and enhances the value of sea urchin resources from urchin barrens, through sustainable and regenerative aquaculture practices in Australia.
*1Graham, T., Carnell, P., Warren-Myers, F., Morris, R., Swearer, S. (2021) Port Phillip Bay Sea Urchin Survey 2019/2020. Melbourne and Deakin University report. *2Johnson, C. R., Swearer, S., Ling. S., Reeves, S., Kriegisch, N., Treml, EA., et al. (2015). The Reef Ecosystem Evaluation Framework: Managing for Resilience in Temperate Environments. University of Tasmania. Report. https://hdl.handle.net/102.100.100/495679 *3Carnell, P. E., & Keough, M. J. (2019). Reconstructing historical marine populations reveals major decline of a kelp forest ecosystem in Australia. Estuaries and Coasts, 42(3), 765-778.
Japan’s First EU HACCP Certification for Sea Urchin
Kita-sanriku Factory, Inc. has become Japan’s first EU HACCP-certified facility for handling sea urchin.
Under the corporate mission of “Enriching the World’s Oceans from Kita Sanriku,” Kita-sanriku Factory has been delivering sustainable seafood, centering on sea urchin, to the tables of the world. We are pleased to announce that our flagship facility in Hirono town in Iwate has been accredited as an EU HACCP-certified facility for the handling of exported marine products to the EU. This is the first certification for sea urchin in Japan. In response to the increasing global demand for sea urchin, we acquired this certification to enable us to export high-quality sea urchin to the EU.
What is EU HACCP?
EU HACCP is a hygiene management method for ensuring food safety that is mandatory for food businesses in the European Union. HACCP is an acronym for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. It is a system to ensure product safety by analyzing hazard factors and controlling processes at each step from receiving raw materials to final products.
Certificate of Facility for Handling Seafood for Export to EU
Processing of sea urchin products
Frozen premium sea urchin from Uni Ranch ®︎
Expanding overseas sales channels
In order to expand overseas sales channels, Kita-sanriku Factory procures seafood from fisheries and aquaculture farms that comply with Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) standards. The company has established a commercial distribution channel with a major U.S. supermarket that is environmentally conscious.
In February 2024, two of our flagship products—“Four-Year Frozen Sea Urchin from Uni Ranch” and “Sea Urchin Butter SPREAD (Uni Butter)”—were nominated as finalists for the Innovation Award at Gulfood, one of the largest and most prestigious food trade fairs in the Middle East.
In 2025, the company is exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America (Boston, USA) and Seafood Expo Global (Barcelona, Spain). In the future, we will also market our reliable sustainable seafood products in other parts of Europe, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.
Uoriki and Kita-Sanriku Factory Sign Business and Capital Alliance
Uoriki, aiming to “convey Japan’s fish-eating culture,” and Kita-Sanriku Factory, with the mission to “enrich the world’s oceans,” strive to achieve sustainable fisheries.
Kita-Sanriku Factory Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hirono Town, Kunohe District, Iwate Prefecture; CEO: Yukinori Shitautsubo) has signed a business partnership and investment agreement with Uoriki Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Uoriki).
Uoriki, one of Japan’s largest fresh fish retailers, aims to realize sustainable fisheries to preserve the world’s rich oceans and spread rich fish-eating culture worldwide. They also support efforts to address global environmental issues, such as seaweed bed restoration.
Through this business and capital alliance, we will further promote our domestic and international sea urchin regenerative aquaculture business. We will also collaborate on expanding sales channels by developing new markets in North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, alongside domestic sales of sea urchin products and sustainably produced seafood.
Chairman Yamada of Uoriki stated, “due to the impact of global warming, the domestic supply of sea urchins has decreased while those from Russia have increased. In this context, Kita-Sanriku Factory’s regenerative aquaculture business is a groundbreaking initiative that contributes to the production and export expansion of Japanese seafood and prevents sea desertification. We believe it is important to support such initiatives that lead to improvement of the global environment, including blue carbon projects, not only for domestic sales and overseas exports.”
CEO Shitautsubo of Kita-Sanriku Factory commented, “while global demand is increasing, domestic production of sea urchins has significantly decreased. By increasing the production and distribution volume of domestic sea urchins without relying on overseas imports, we can meet the ever-growing global demand. Building a collaborative system with Uoriki Group, which has a strong global fresh fish retail network, will enable us to more actively promote our activities to enrich the oceans through sea urchins. We look forward to creating the future of the fisheries industry through this wonderful partnership.”
Efforts to Promote Sustainable Seafood
Why the Promotion of Sustainable Seafood is Necessary
Sustainable fisheries is essential to prevent the depletion of fish resources and maintain the balance of marine ecosystems. The impacts of global warming, overfishing, and illegal fishing endanger certain fish species and adversely affect the entire ecosystems. In recent years, due to poor catches of mackerel and bonito, Japan’s national fishing and aquaculture catch has fallen below 4 million tons for two consecutive years, hitting a record low.
To pass on Japan’s cultural resource of fish-eating culture to the next generation, we view the promotion of sustainable seafood as an urgent issue and are actively working on its promotion.
This video, provided by the Great Southern Reef Foundation in Australia, was screened at JAPAN UNI SUMMIT 2024 (details below). Kita-Sanriku Factory is promoting the launch of sea urchin regenerative aquaculture and seaweed bed restoration projects both domestically and internationally, including in Australia, where the sea desertification problem caused by sea urchins is progressing.
Previous Efforts Between the Two Companies
In overseas distribution, Kita-Sanriku Factory and Uoriki have already established a business flow with a major American supermarket that sources seafood from fisheries and aquaculture facilities compliant with the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) standards, minimizing environmental impact. Domestically, we sell “Four-Year old Sea Urchin from the Uni Ranch ®︎ in Hirono” harvested sustainably and “HAGUKUMU-UNI®︎” nurtured through regenerative aquaculture. In the future, we will continue to supply sustainable seafood products, including those from Australia, both domestically and internationally.
Kita-Sanriku Factory’s Efforts to “Enrich the Oceans”
We have obtained patents for our sea urchin regenerative aquaculture system, which involves recycling discarded sea urchins and improving their quality to product level. In collaboration with research institutions and businesses, including Hokkaido University, we have established methods for making sea urchins delicious through the development of feed, cages for nurturing, and techniques for regenerating sea urchins into high-quality, valuable seafood.By placing “skinny” sea urchins from barren sea areas into cages and feeding them our developed feed, this regenerative aquaculture can make them high-*value products within two months.
While promoting the establishment of sea urchin regenerative aquaculture technology that will lead to seaweed bed restoration, we hold the “JAPAN UNI SUMMIT” annually where we consider the future of the world’s oceans through sea urchins. We aim to realize our mission with various stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc. is a leading company developing high-quality sea urchin brands in the town of Hirono, Iwate Prefecture, home to the world’s only ‘Uni Ranch®︎’. With the mission of ‘Enriching the world’s oceans from Kita-Sanriku’, the company is leveraging its expertise in growing high-quality sea urchins to connect with the world through its new ‘sea urchin regenerative aquaculture system’ technology and promote initiatives to create a sustainable future for the fisheries industry. 2023 saw the establishment of an Australian subsidiary, with operations both in Japan and abroad.
Company name: Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc.
Affiliated organizations: Hironoya Corporation / KSF Australia Pty Ltd / Tasmania Blue Seafood Pty Ltd / General Incorporated Association moova
Business activities: production, processing and sales of processed agricultural, forestry and fishery products, planning and management of the development of vertical diversification (primary production + manufacturing + service), technological development related to the fishery industry.
Event Report: Considering the Future of the Global Fisheries Industry through “Sea Urchins” at JAPAN UNI SUMMIT 2024 | UNIversal Actions that will Enrich the Ocean
2024年7月25日 10時29分1
JAPAN UNI SUMMIT2024
The JAPAN UNI SUMMIT 2024, held on July 19, 2024, at Riviera Zushi Marina, was convened to explore the future of the global fisheries industry with a focus on sea urchins.This Summit was organised by Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc. (based in Hirono Town, Kunohe District, Iwate Prefecture, CEO Yukinori Shitautsubo) and the General Incorporated Association moova (also based in Hirono Town, Chair, Mikiko Makashita). The former, whose mission is “enriching the world’s oceans from Kita-Sanriku”, are integrating philosophical principles with practical applications in the processing, production and sale of marine products. These endeavours are bridging the divide between philosophy and practice, providing valuable, restorative, ecosystem services that will help drive further development towards a more sustainable fishing industry.
【Event Overview】 Venue: Riviera Zushi Marina Date: July 19, 2024 (Friday) Official Website: https://unisummit.jp/ (Japanese only) Organizers: General Incorporated Association moova, North Sanriku Factory Inc. Sponsors: The Nippon Foundation Supporters: Oisix ra daichi Inc., Uoriki Co., Ltd., Richey FISHING, Hokkaido University, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania, Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre.
■About JAPAN UNI SUMMIT
This summit was about the future of the world’s oceans looked through sea urchins. About 30 years ago, Japan’s fisheries industry was rich in natural kelp and seaweed. However, domestic production of sea urchin has declined significantly over the past few years, and the size of sea urchin roe has become smaller from ‘iso-yake’ throughout the country. Iso-yake, also known as ocean desertification, is a phenomenon in which increases seaweed disappearance, and is considered to be enhanced by the increased winter activity of sea urchins as sea water temperatures rise due to global warming, which in turn feeds on seaweed, uprooting it from the buds. In Australia, giant kelp forests, a type of seaweed, are said to have disappeared by more than 95% compared to a few decades ago, and this is a UNIversal Agenda (global agenda) that the world faces. We are engaged in ‘sea urchin regenerative aquaculture’ aiming to convert ‘zombie’ sea urchins to tasty sea urchins rather than discarding them because of a lack of feed due to ‘iso-yake’, along with seaweed bed restoration. We feel a great sense of urgency to approach the issue from a variety of perspectives and with various methods. In order to accelerate sea urchin regenerative aquaculture, and to promote the creation of blue carbon in Japan and globally, the summit was a place to think about UNIversal Action and methods that ‘enrich the future of the world’s oceans’, with key stakeholders who are demonstrating leadership in various fields.
■Programme (titles omitted, in alphabetical order)
12:45 Greetings Mr Masahiro Komura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Member of the House of Representatives Prior to the opening, Mr Komura offered his best wishes for the success of the JAPAN UNI SUMMIT and congratulated the participants. 12:50 OPENING Mr Yukinori Shitautsubo, CEO, KSF Australia / Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc. Mr Kohei Tamura, CSO & Executive Officer, KSF Australia / Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc.
On behalf of Kita-Sanriku Factory, Mr Shitautsubo spoke about the background to his determination to change the world’s oceans and the fisheries industry, and his expectations for each participant’s commitment to ‘UNIversal Action’ to ‘enrich the oceans’ at this SUMMIT.
13:10 A global perspective on the state of the oceans. Dr Masayuki Tatsumi Sea Forest ／Head of Research and Development
The presentation included sharing the critical situation in Tasmanian waters, where global warming and increasing numbers of sea urchins are having a major impact on the ecosystem, and efforts in Australia to restore seaweed beds through sea urchin harvesting and data management.
13:30 Panel discussion ‘What we can do to protect our rich oceans’
Panelists:
Mr Kundo Koyama, Broadcast Writer, Vice President of Kyoto University of Arts, President, Orange and Partners Co. Producer for Signature Pavillion at Osaka/Kansai Expo
Ms Hanako Watanabe, Senior Managing Director, Riviera Resort Co., Ltd., Representative Director, Specified Nonprofit Corporation Riviera Future Creation Project, Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Blue Carbon Belt Riviera Institute
Ms Rika Sueyoshi, Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Ethical Association of Japan
Ms Mikiko Makka, Vice President and COO, Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc., Representative Director, General Incorporated Association moova
Moderator:
Mr Daiju Takahashi, Senior Executive Director, General Incorporated Association Higashi-no Shoku-no Kai Association, Representative, General Incorporated Association NoMA Lab
From their respective perspectives, the discussion revolved around the theme of what can be done to protect our rich oceans. Mr Koyama introduced a marketing method that uses the power of words to change perceptions. Ms Watanabe introduced circular agriculture, seaweed bed restoration and promotion of blue carbon in the Shonan area. Lastly, Ms Sueyoshi presented new perspectives on changing attitudes in the course of spreading awareness among consumers.
13:30 Pitches by Friends of the Sea
Speakers:
Mr Hisanori Tayama, Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Marine Habitat
Mr Fuga Shibuya, Chief of Aquaculture Business Department, Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc.
Ms Hinata Sakurai, Director, NPO Shonan Shizen Gakko (Shonan Nature School)/Outdoor System Ltd.
Mr Ichiro Higuchi, Project Assistant Professor, Division of Marine Applied Life Science, Hokkaido University
Mr Hiroaki Suzuki, King of Caviar Kingdom
Facilitator:
Yuki Tsuda, President, Fisherman Japan Marketing
The speakers, who are engaged in activities to ‘enrich the oceans’, gave presentations on how they came to consider the challenges of the oceans as their own, introduced the projects they are currently working on and presented their respective UNIversal Actions.
17:00 Actions Announcements「Universal Commitment」
Facilitator:
Mr Kohei Takashima, President and CEO, Oisix La Daichi Inc.
Mr Yukinori Shitautsubo, President and CEO, Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc./KSF Australia
After deepening discussions on the themes of technology development, resource management, logistics & supply chain, branding, finance and global cooperation, participants presented their UNIversal Actions.
18:00 Dinner 「Table For Sustainability〜Kita-Sanriku Aquagastronomy〜」
Greetings:
Ms Elizabeth Cox, Minister (Commercial), Australian Embassy in Tokyo
Mr Atsushi Kakunan, President, Sasakawa Peace Memorial Foundation
Facilitator:
Mr Kenichi Watanabe, Producer, Table for Sustainability; Director, CJPF, Cabinet Office; Value Designer, XPJP
With a dinner featuring sea urchins from the Uni Ranch®︎, a unique system in the town of Hirono, scallops from Tasmania and ingredients from the Shonan area, the importance of protecting marine resources was highlighted through a delicious experience.
‘UNIversal Action’ was prepared by all participants, declaring actions to enrich the oceans
参加者によるコミットメント
Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc. is a leading company developing high-quality sea urchin brands in the town of Hirono, Iwate Prefecture, home to the world’s only ‘Uni Ranch®︎’. With the mission of ‘Enriching the world’s oceans from Kita-Sanriku’, the company is leveraging its expertise in growing high-quality sea urchins to connect with the world through its new ‘sea urchin regenerative aquaculture system’ technology and promote initiatives to create a sustainable future for the fisheries industry. 2023 saw the establishment of an Australian subsidiary, with operations both in Japan and abroad.
Company name: Kita-Sanriku Factory Inc. Affiliated organizations: Hironoya Corporation / KSF Australia Pty Ltd / Tasmania Blue Seafood Pty Ltd / General Incorporated Association moova Location: 133-1, Taneichi-dai 22chiwari, Ono-cho, Kudo-gun, Iwate Prefecture Established: 1 October 2018 Representative: Representative Director, Yukinori Shitautsubo Business activities: production, processing and sales of processed agricultural, forestry and fishery products, planning and management of the development of vertical diversification (primary production + manufacturing + service), technological development related to the fishery industry. U R L ：https://kitasanrikufactory.co.jp/en/
The phenomenon of ‘isoyake’ – marine desertification’ – is becoming an issue in Japan and around the world. We, who are based in a region where the main industry is fisheries, have a growing sense of crisis about this situation and established the general incorporated association moova in December 2022 in order to take actions to protect the limited resources of the sea and to connect them to the future. We are currently focusing on activities to restore seaweed beds, and in the future we will strive for a wide range of activities to maintain and develop the fishing industry, such as marine education and regional development in farming and mountainous fishing villages. Organisation: moova Location: 15-29, Dai-1chiwari 15, Yokono-cho, Kudo-gun, Iwate Prefecture, Japan Establishment: 28 December 2022 Representative: Representative Director: Mikiko Mashimo Activities: Marine environment conservation (seaweed bed restoration activities), marine education/industrial education, career education support , agricultural, mountain and fishing village community development U R L ：https://kitasanrikufactory.co.jp/moova
