Our business is founded on the understanding and cooperation of local communities. We aim to be a business loved by the community by valuing our sense of gratitude for and communicating with people in the community.

We also aim to be a source of pride for the region and a starting point for its revitalization.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the proportion of marine resources that are sustainably harvested is trending downward. In 1974, 90% of these resources were being used within appropriate levels, but by 2017, that percentage had fallen to 66%, making aquaculture even more important.

In December 2014, the Hirosaki University’s Institute of Regional Innovation (formerly, Institute of Food Science ), Okamura Foods Co., Ltd., and Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, collaborated on a large-scale salmon trout aquaculture demonstration project in Aomori Prefecture. The project kicked-off with the conclusion of a tripartite partnership agreement.

On October 26, 2020, we also signed a joint research agreement with the Hirosaki University Institute of Regional Innovation (IRI) with the aim of industrializing a large-scale salmon trout aquaculture demonstration project in Aomori Prefecture.

Our subsidiary Japan Salmon Farm Inc. is Japan's first attempt at large-scale aquaculture farming of salmon trout. While utilizing the knowledge of Musholm A/S, our subsidiary in Denmark, research and development that applies Japan's unique circumstances is essential. For example, there is a process known as acclimatization in aquaculture. This involves gradually increasing the salinity of the breeding water to acclimatize fish that have been raised in freshwater to seawater. Since the sea in Japan has a higher salt concentration than in Northern Europe, acclimation work requires special consideration. In this regard, we are working to collect data and know-how by cooperating with universities.

Research results so far include those from research on high-density aquaculture to increase production in limited intermediate aquaculture farms, research on open-air closed-loop aquaculture, and research on barges. Currently research methods underway include those for selecting the size of aquaculture fish, how to increase the accuracy of counting fish in water using images, highly water-temperature resistant feed, and slurry ice that can steadily lower the temperature of fish (cooling fresh fish). With the cooperation of research institutes such as Hirosaki University's Institute of Regional Innovation, we will continue to introduce cutting-edge technology to the domestic Aquaculture Business, and strive to assemble data and know-how to achieve efficiency and advancements.

MusholmA/S also cooperates with Danish institutions (University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, etc.) on the development of the seafood industry (technical development) and environmental conservation.

In order to realize regional revitalization, we identified “Contributing to communities and fisheries industries through technology” as one form of our materiality.

Japan Salmon Farm Inc., a subsidiary of Okamura Foods that operates an aquaculture business, currently engages in aquaculture in the towns of Fukaura and Imabetsu in Aomori Prefecture, where the population is declining. We believe that the Group’s expansion of its businesses will bring job opportunities and economic vitality to these communities.

In areas other than Fukaura Town and Imabetsu Town, we are contributing to local aquaculture businesses in cooperation with local governments and fishery cooperatives.

By introducing our modern aquaculture technology and know-how to communities, we will help transform the fisheries industry into a growth industry and revitalize local communities through job creation.

In February 2021, Okamura Foods, Japan Salmon Farm Inc. and Iwanai Town concluded a comprehensive collaboration agreement. The first harvest was in June 2023.

We started trial aquaculture in December 2022 together with Aomori Prefecture, Wakinosawa Village Fishery Cooperative, and Mutsu City. The first harvest from this effort was in June 2023, and by May 2024, we became a member of the fisheries cooperative, receiving approval to exercise our territorial fishing rights (up to 4,800 tons).

In July 2023, Kamiisogun Fisheries Cooperative, Shiriuchi Town, and Japan Salmon Farm Inc. signed a partnership agreement. Trial aquaculture began in November 2023, resulting in the harvesting of 150 tons in July 2024.

In December 2022, Akita Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative, Akita Prefecture, Happo Town, and Japan Salmon Farm Inc. signed a Four-Party Agreement. Japan Salmon Farm Inc. provided technical guidance and provided fry and started the construction of the intermediate aquaculture farm in July 2024.