Mori Trust's Innovative Participation in Freshwater Salmon Farming Project

Mori Trust's Innovative Participation in Freshwater Salmon Farming

Mori Trust Company, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, recently announced its collaboration with Pure Salmon Japan Co., Ltd. in a remarkable project dedicated to the cultivation of Atlantic salmon. By investing in the 8F Aquaculture Fund Japan I LP, which manages this venture, Mori Trust is marking its entry into the land-based salmon farming sector in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. This initiative symbolizes a significant shift towards sustainable aquaculture practices in Japan.

Project Outline: Emphasis on Safety and Stability

The core of this innovative project involves constructing a facility for the farming and processing of Atlantic salmon on land in Mie Prefecture, with the target of commencing shipments by 2027. This facility aims to yield approximately 10,000 tons of salmon annually, positioning it among the largest salmon farming operations in Japan. By utilizing a closed environment that does not connect with external seawater, the project effectively mitigates the risks of viral and parasitic infestations, allowing for antibiotic-free farming. This approach is essential in meeting the rising consumer demand for high-quality fish, particularly salmon, which is currently the most consumed fish species in Japan when compared to others like tuna or yellowtail.

However, the increasing popularity of salmon is accompanied by challenges. Environmental factors such as rising sea temperatures for ocean farming and the impact of foreign exchange rates on imports have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a consistent quality and price of salmon in domestic markets. In contrast, land-based farming offers more controllable growing conditions and less vulnerability to foreign currency fluctuations, ensuring both safety and freshness when bringing products to market.

Closed-Loop Aquaculture System: A Sustainable Solution

The farming facility plans to employ a Closed Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), which allows for the recycling and sterilization of used water, minimizing wastewater and preventing environmental contamination. This not only optimizes the utilization of water resources but also contributes to reducing the overall environmental footprint. The carbon dioxide emissions associated with transport are also anticipated to be significantly lower compared to air freight from overseas. The project embodies a commitment to safety and sustainability throughout the entire supply chain, from aquaculture to distribution.

Mori Trust’s participation stems from a strong belief in the increasing demand for salmon, combined with a commitment to providing safe, stable supply while nurturing an environment-friendly business model. The company recognizes the necessity of evolving with consumer trends while ensuring environmental responsibility.

Continued Innovative Investment by Mori Trust

Since 2017, Mori Trust has been pursuing an innovation investment strategy aiming to create new business ventures through open innovation. This includes corporate venture capital activities and investments in venture capital, aligning existing resources and networks to foster collaborative synergies. The Mori Trust Group continues to explore investments across various sectors related to their existing business domains while also venturing into new arenas to enhance business value and drive the creation of new opportunities.

Additional Information on Pure Salmon Japan Co., Ltd.

- Company Name: Pure Salmon Japan Co., Ltd.
- CEO: Errol Emad
- Headquarters: 2nd Floor Pegasus Building, 1-15-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Farming Location: Morimachi, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture
- Site Area for Farming: 137,034 sqm
- Total Floor Area: Approximately 70,000 sqm
- Facility Structure: Steel structure, partly two-story
- Business Scope: Land-based farming and processing of Atlantic salmon using the RAS system.

Overview of 8F Aquaculture Fund Japan I LP

- Fund Name: 8F Aquaculture Fund Japan I LP
- Investment Focus: Operates a closed-loop land-based Atlantic salmon farming facility in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture.
- Operational Period: 8 years
- Investment Amount: Not disclosed.

About Mori Trust Company

Mori Trust Company is a comprehensive real estate developer engaged in large-scale mixed-use developments in urban Japan, as well as hotel and resort businesses nationwide. With three core areas of focus — real estate, hotels and resorts, and investment — the company operates 52 buildings, residential complexes, and commercial facilities, alongside 33 hotel resorts as of March 2025. Mori Trust is dedicated to enhancing Japan's international competitiveness through urban development and the preservation and utilization of historical buildings.