Proto Corporation (Headquarters: Naka-ku, Nagoya City; President and Representative Director: Susumu Shiraki; hereinafter "the Company") has acquired all shares of Nishiyouman Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ise City, Mie Prefecture; hereinafter "Nishiyouman"), which farms and sells the branded eel "Ise Unagi," making it a wholly owned subsidiary effective June 1, 2026.

The Company aims to evolve into a corporate group needed by society through its two business portfolios (Economic Business and Social Business) and eight domains (Mobility, Reuse, Human Resources, Real Estate, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Sports, Regional Revitalization, and Education). Within this framework, the Company views the declining Japanese food self-sufficiency rate, particularly in the fisheries industry, as a problem. The fisheries industry continues to decline due to decreased catches from global warming and dependence on overseas imports, and despite the urgent need for transformation in aquaculture technology, it faces a serious shortage of successors. As part of the Group's Social Business, in April 2024, the Company established "Mihama Aqua Farm" in Mihama Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture, starting land-based aquaculture of "torafugu (Chita Fuku)" – a first for Aichi Prefecture – as well as land-based aquaculture of "unagi (Chita Unagi)." Furthermore, in January 2026, the Company made Noguchi Co., Ltd. (Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Shuji Kondo) a wholly owned subsidiary.

The "Ise Unagi" brand, owned by Nishiyouman which has now become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is raised using water from Mie Prefecture's mineral-rich clear stream, the "Miyagawa River," and a unique natural feed that eliminates all chemicals. It is cultivated under thorough quality control by skilled craftsmen. "Ise Unagi" features thin skin, high-quality flesh, and a strong umami flavor, earning immense trust from food professionals and widespread love from local communities.

Through this stock acquisition, the Company will combine land-based aquaculture know-how with the "brand-building" expertise and sales network cultivated through its Economic Business, aiming to maximize business synergies.

The Company Group will continue to contribute to local communities through the "regional branding" of primary industries, promoting tourism and creating employment.

◆ Nishiyouman Co., Ltd. Company Overview

Company Name: Nishiyouman Co., Ltd. Representative: Shuji Kondo Headquarters: 1140 Akeno, Obata-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture Founded: March 1973 Established: February 2009 Business: Farming and sales of "Ise Unagi" URL: https://www.nishi-unagi.com/index.html

◆ Proto Corporation Company Overview

Company Name: Proto Corporation Representative: President and Representative Director Susumu Shiraki Headquarters: Proto Aoi Building, 1-23-14 Aoi, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Founded: October 1977 Established: June 1979 Business: Two businesses (Economic Business, Social Business), Eight business domains (Mobility, Reuse, Human Resources, Real Estate, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Sports, Regional Revitalization, Education) URL: https://www.proto-g.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership