Mizkan and Kitasanriku Factory Launch Joint Research to Advance Land-based Sea Urchin Aquaculture

Mizkan Co., Ltd. and Kitasanriku Factory Co., Ltd. have agreed to initiate joint research on May 27, 2026, centered on the development of feed optimized for farmed sea urchins. By integrating their respective management resources, technologies, and expertise, the two companies aim to advance pilot experiments in land-based sea urchin aquaculture and contribute to 'connecting the health of the ocean and people, and the culture of sushi to the future.'

Background: Japanese sushi culture is a global culinary treasure, but its foundation—the marine ecosystem—is in crisis due to climate change and 'isoyake' (seaweed bed depletion). While global demand for sushi is growing, the variety of toppings is often limited to salmon and tuna. Sea urchins are popular, high-end ingredients, but they are also a direct cause of seaweed depletion, raising sustainability concerns. Kitasanriku Factory has been working on 'Regenerative Aquaculture' to restore marine ecosystems, while Mizkan has been promoting the 'Sushi Project' to preserve sushi culture. By combining Mizkan's food processing and marketing expertise with Kitasanriku Factory's aquaculture technology, they aim to implement land-based sea urchin farming in society.

The joint research will focus on three areas: establishing the taste of farmed sea urchins, developing feed for sea urchin aquaculture, and branding farmed sea urchins. Yukinori Shitatsubo, CEO of Kitasanriku Factory, expressed enthusiasm for establishing a new food category called 'Regenerative Sushi,' while Ryoji Maki, CEO of Mizkan, emphasized the importance of this partnership in realizing a sustainable model for primary industries and food culture.