Salmon Japan

• Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): Introduced via partnerships with Norwegian firms; now farmed domestically using land-based systems.

• Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): The most widely farmed salmon species in Japan, especially in Miyagi Prefecture and parts of Hokkaido.

• Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): Recently pioneered in Fukushima using advanced water treatment and land-based systems—Japan is now home to the world’s first successful sockeye salmon farm.

• Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

  • Used for Atlantic and sockeye salmon.

  • Examples: Proximar Seafood in Shizuoka (Atlantic), Fukushima collaborative project (Sockeye).

  • Benefits: Biosecurity, reduced environmental impact, proximity to urban markets.

• Sea-Based Net Pens:

  • Primarily for coho salmon.

  • Located in sheltered coastal areas like Sanriku Coast.

  • Challenges include disease risk and environmental discharge.

• Japan consumes over 300,000 tons of salmon annually, with domestic production still a fraction of that.

• Salmon is now the most purchased fish in Japanese households, surpassing traditional favorites like tuna.

• Rising demand for sashimi-grade, antibiotic-free, and traceable salmon is driving innovation.

• Water Treatment Breakthroughs: New filtration technologies allow sockeye salmon to be raised in controlled environments with minimal disease risk.

• Carbon Reduction Goals: Land-based farms aim to reduce transport emissions and marine pollution.

• ASC Certification: Some producers, like FRD Japan, are pursuing ASC standards for salmon.

• Japan is shifting from being a salmon importer to a technology-driven producer, especially for premium domestic markets.

• The focus is on species purity, environmental control, and year-round supply.

Salmon Connections in Japan

Proximar