The facility, operated in Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, will be the first in Japan to produce domestic Atlantic salmon, attracting significant attention from the market.
Land-based salmon farmer Proximar Seafood is set to begin shipments of its Atlantic salmon, grown in Japan’s largest land-based recirculating aquaculture facility at the foot of Mount Fuji, by late September.
In an interview Japanese newspaper the Suisan Times, Joachim Nielsen, CEO of Proximar, spoke about the milestone just ahead of the company’s first shipment.
“It has been over nine years since we began planning this project in 2015, and nearly two years since we introduced the salmon eggs in October 2022. We are proud to finally be shipping fish that have reached full size. As Japan’s largest land-based salmon farming project, it is receiving considerable attention globally.”
Nielsen expressed confidence in the quality of the salmon, noting that the fish are developing well, with excellent appearance and color. “Our team has worked meticulously to ensure the best conditions for the fish. The first shipment will be a significant milestone for us.”
Proximar’s salmon farm is strategically located at the base of Mount Fuji, a factor Nielsen plans to leverage in marketing efforts.
“We will soon announce our brand name, likely one that reflects the location of the facility. There is strong interest in both domestic and international markets, and with limited production capacity, we will initially focus on the Japanese market.”
In discussing the unique selling points, Nielsen highlighted the fish’s domestic production and its freshness as key differentiators.
“Our salmon, produced in Japan, is the only domestic Atlantic salmon available, which is a major advantage. Its location and fresh supply chain offer further appeal in a market saturated with both imported and domestic fish.”
Looking ahead, Nielsen said he is not concerned about the balance of supply and demand in Japan. “Globally, the salmon market is growing, and while Japan’s demand is stable, it remains highly popular with younger generations. As wild fish stocks decrease, salmon is becoming an even more important product.”
As for future expansion, Nielsen acknowledged that discussions around a second phase are premature but possible, depending on market conditions and export opportunities. “For now, our priority is the successful launch of the first shipment. However, expanding into a second phase is definitely a potential step down the line.”
