Yamato Transport Launches Speedy Live Fish Delivery Using Cargo Planes

Yamato Transport's Innovative Live Fish Delivery Service

Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. has embarked on a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing the distribution of live fish. Starting from October 2025, the company will utilize its fleet of cargo planes, known as Freighters, to expedite the delivery of freshly caught live fish from Tsushima City in Nagasaki Prefecture straight to the bustling markets and restaurants of Tokyo, with deliveries made just the next day.

A Fresh Approach to Seafood Distribution

This innovation leverages a specially developed cooling container that maintains optimal temperatures for the transportation of live fish. This ensures that small lots of seafood, caught on the same day, can be delivered efficiently to various locations across the metropolitan area.

For example, the shipment process involves live fish being transported from Daikei Co., a fishery operator based in Tsushima, directly to restaurants in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Using the late-night Freighter service, Daikei can now collect fish in the evening and have them delivered alive to the city's eateries the following morning. This capability is a game changer for small-scale fisheries that previously struggled to manage the costs of transporting smaller batches of live fish.

Efficiency With a New Delivery Flow

Utilizing the overnight Freighter service, Yamato Transport has crafted an efficient delivery flow for live fish:

1. Collection: Fish are harvested in the evening at Tsushima.
2. Transport: The catch is loaded onto the Freighter at Kitakyushu Airport and flown to Haneda Airport.
3. Delivery: Upon arrival, the fish are sent directly to restaurants in Tokyo.

Feedback from Stakeholders

From Daikei Co.:
“Our partnership with Yamato Transport marks a significant change in the distribution landscape. Previously, we faced challenges in shipping small volumes economically, which has cut off access to fresh live fish from Kyushu. Thanks to this innovative small-batch transport system, we can now connect producers, markets, restaurants, and even individual consumers with high-quality fish, paving the way for new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.”

From Tokyo Sushi Restaurants:
“Being able to source quality fish directly from the birthplace is invaluable. With this system, we can obtain not only the prized anago from Tsushima but also other varieties like live kue. Fresh fish is essential for sushi, and receiving it the very next day ensures superb quality in our dishes.”

The Financiers, including the traditional sushi chefs of Tokyo, emphasize that such freshness fundamentally enhances the dining experience, ensuring their offerings remain uniquely enticing to customers.

Key Advantages of the Freighter Live Fish Delivery

- Daily scheduled flights enable reliable transportation of seafood, from small batches to larger shipments, catering to various customer needs based on the type of fish and environmental conditions.
- Temperature-Controlled Transport Options:

- Ambient Transport: Fish are placed in specialized waterproof Styrofoam boxes that prevent water leakage during transport.
- Cool Transport: Utilizing the newly designed cooling containers ensures that live fish are transported at a consistent temperature, regardless of the external conditions.

These cooling containers come in various sizes tailored to customer orders, with patents pending on this innovative design.

Benefits for Sellers and Buyers

For sellers, the reduced transport time enhances the market value of products, enabling them to tap into new sales channels and generate demand. On the buyer's end, the access to high-quality live fish ensures an enhanced experience, allowing the creation of unique dishes that attract diners eager to experience fresh and exclusive offerings.

Background and Objectives

As Tokyo experiences a surge in international tourist arrivals, there is a growing demand for high-quality live fish in consumption areas. Traditional land-based trucking currently handles the transport but suffers from limitations, including difficulty in frequent, small lot deliveries and a shortage of truck drivers for long-distance hauling. By implementing live fish transport via Freighters, Yamato Transport aims to foster the development of the fishing industry in regional areas and aid in local revitalization while expanding new market access and demand creation.

Inquiries for Live Fish Transportation Services

For businesses interested in utilizing this service:

- Eligibility: Corporate clients only
- Contact Method: Please reach out via the email: [email protected]
- Pricing: Custom quotes will be provided based on quantity and other relevant conditions.
- Transport Regions: The Yamato Group's Freighters operate services from Shin-Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kitakyushu Airport, and Naha Airport, with final deliveries made via chartered services from these airports.