Yamame trout will be raised in seawater and transformed into cherry salmon, which will grow to approximately 1 kilogram

NTT East to Lead New Tokyo Land-Based Aquaculture Project

JAPAN
Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

NTT East will develop a compact, profitable system for raising yamame trout, aligning with Tokyo’s sustainable growth strategy.

TOKYO – The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has selected NTT East Corporation to lead its new "Tokyo Land-Based Aquaculture Project," a five-year initiative aimed at developing a sustainable and profitable aquaculture model. The project, running from fiscal years 2025 to 2029, seeks to create a unique system that is resilient to climate change and contributes to regional revitalization in the Tama area. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for mid-September.

The project will focus on the use of advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to raise freshwater yamame trout in saltwater. This technique will transform the trout into cherry salmon, with a target size of approximately one kilogram. By utilizing a closed-circulation system, the project aims to develop technology that allows for year-round shipments and ensures high profitability. This approach is a key part of the "2050 Tokyo Strategy," specifically targeting the "Establishment of sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries."

Photo: NTT/Video -->

The search results reveal that NTT East has been a pioneer in this field. The company, in collaboration with Okayama University of Science and a local Fukushima supermarket chain Ichii, has already successfully developed a commercial land-based aquaculture system for sockeye salmon. This earlier project demonstrated the potential of the technology to produce high-quality fish, even reducing the growth period for sockeye salmon from four years to just 1.5. This experience, which includes the use of ICT and IoT to create data-driven aquaculture environments, will be leveraged in the new Tokyo project.

Water quality sensors will be installed inside the tanks and cameras will be installed overhead, allowing real-time monitoring of the situation. Based on this data, experts from Okayama University of Science can provide remote guidance.

The collaboration will also focus on developing the local supply chain. NTT East plans to work with local companies in the Tama region to develop products, process them, and cultivate sales channels, supporting the creation of a local specialty product. The use of technology is also expected to create a more worker-friendly environment, a crucial factor in a country facing demographic challenges like rural depopulation and an aging workforce.

The development of this project highlights a significant shift in Japan's aquaculture strategy, moving towards more controlled, land-based systems to address issues like declining wild fish stocks and supply chain vulnerabilities.

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print