Launch of Dog Food Brand 'Kamui no Megumi' — Announcing the Release of Additive-Free Food Using Wild Sika Deer, Marking the First Step in Engaging with Nature in the Okhotsk Region

Kamui no Megumi and the Story Behind It

'Kamui no Megumi' is an additive-free dog food made entirely from 100% sika deer sourced in Hokkaido’s Okhotsk region. This brand was launched not merely as a product line, but as the first tangible outcome of an initiative called 'Okhotsk Wild Meat LAB.' Okhotsk Wild Meat LAB is an organization dedicated to confronting the realities that exist at the intersection of nature and human life in the Okhotsk region. It began not as a corporate project, but as a personal life mission for each member. Rather than starting with grand ideals, we began with one place—Nishinoshobetsu—and committed to taking practical steps within our reach to protect nature. The first of these steps is 'Kamui no Megumi.'

Background — A Journey That Began with One Beloved Dog

The origin of this initiative traces back to the experience of our representative, Yoshida Yoshiyuki, who lost his beloved dog. As he began researching canine health and longevity, Yoshida discovered the potential of sika deer meat as a food source. High in protein, low in fat, and offering a novel protein alternative distinct from chicken, beef, and pork, sika deer presented a compelling option. He also learned that in Hokkaido, many sika deer are culled to prevent damage to agriculture and forestry, yet most of these animals go unused. To verify this reality firsthand, Yoshida visited Nishinoshobetsu, where he was deeply moved by the natural environment and the lives of the local people. He subsequently relocated to Hokkaido, driven by a desire to contribute, alongside local residents, to preserving the natural environment of the Okhotsk region. This commitment forms the foundation of our activities.

The Reality We Face (Based on Public Data)

In Hokkaido, damage to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries caused by wild animals amounted to approximately 6.369 billion yen in fiscal year 2023, with sika deer accounting for about 5.145 billion yen of that total (Hokkaido government data). Meanwhile, the majority of culled sika deer are not being utilized. Domestic game meat utilization reached 2,678 tons in fiscal year 2024, falling short of the national target of 4,000 tons set for fiscal year 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). We do not view this situation as a matter to assign blame, but as an opportunity to present one viable choice we can make. By expanding usage beyond commercial meat production to include pet food, we aim to reconnect these underutilized lives with value.

The Four Commitments at Launch

With 'Kamui no Megumi,' we have committed to the following four principles from the outset:

- Traceability of origin and hunter ── We use sika deer culled for pest control in Nishinoshobetsu, Hokkaido, and record the capture date and the name of the hunter for each production batch.

- Delivering meat as close to 'freshly harvested' as possible ── Internal organ removal and cooling begin within approximately two hours of capture.

- Full transparency of ingredients ── No synthetic preservatives, colorings, or flavorings are used. Ingredients are limited to sika deer meat and the minimal necessary components. Specific cuts and proportions are disclosed on packaging.

- Sustainable and stable supply ── We maintain year-round collaboration with local hunters and processing facilities. Initially, we limit the number of deer sourced, gradually scaling up in alignment with our processing capacity and storage capabilities.

We will not sell any product that fails to meet these four commitments.

We begin with what is small and achievable.

Product Overview

For the crowdfunding campaign, we plan to offer sets centered on the following products. All are free of preservatives, colorings, and flavorings, and use only sika deer meat sourced from the Okhotsk region.

First Product Lineup

- Sika Deer Lean Jerky (50g) — Perfect as a treat or training reward. - Sika Deer Topping (40g) — A flavorful addition to your dog’s regular meals. - Sika Deer Liver Jerky (50g) — Rich in flavor, made from a rare cut available in limited quantities per animal. - Frozen Sika Deer Boiled Meat (200g) — Softly cooked for easy consumption.

Additionally, a portion of sales revenue will be allocated to support guide dog training at the Japan Guide Dog Association.

Representative’s Statement

“This is not simply about selling food made from a rare ingredient. It is the result of confronting the realities in Hokkaido and continuously asking how we can give value to life. Though this is still a small initiative, we believe we must start here. While ensuring safe, trustworthy quality for dogs, we also aim to directly address regional challenges. The very act of striving to achieve both is the essence of this initiative.”

— Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Representative Member, Okhotsk Wild Meat LAB LLC

Future Plans

'Kamui no Megumi' will launch a crowdfunding campaign on 'CAMPFIRE' starting July 2026.

Official Website

Kamui no Megumi Official Website: https://kamuinomegumi.com/

Okhotsk Wild Meat LAB LLC

Led by residents of Nishinoshobetsu, we aim to promote the use of game meat and create a cycle of life. Members who share this vision are advancing the 'Kamui no Megumi' project.