Former Tile Factory Transformed into Shrimp Farm: Demonstration Facility for 'Kikuma Shrimp' Opens in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture

Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture (Mayor: Shigeki Tokunaga) held the opening ceremony for the 'Kikuma Shrimp' aquaculture demonstration facility on July 9, Reiwa 8.

A former tile manufacturing plant has now become a facility for raising shrimp—the journey began with the challenge of a single local revitalization team member. Fujihara Toshimitsu, a member of the local revitalization team active in the Kikuma area, initiated land-based shrimp farming. Kikuma Eiseisha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kikuma-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture; President: Tsuneo Ochi) joined as the first private-sector partner. Additionally, the project leverages heated seawater discharged by Taiyo Oil Co., Ltd.'s Shikoku Branch (Location: Kikuma-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture; Executive Officer and Shikoku Branch Manager: Kuniake Manabe), marking the start of a new initiative that utilizes regional resources.

A regional revitalization project is now underway to cultivate the 'Kikuma Shrimp' as a new local brand and generate added value.

'Kikuma Shrimp'—edible with the shell on

'This tile factory looked like a treasure to me.' One person's challenge moved the community.

'The abandoned tile factory might seem useless to the region, but to me, it looked like a treasure,' reflects Fujihara Toshimitsu, a local revitalization team member active in the Kikuma area of Imabari City.

Imabari City supports solving regional challenges and fostering new initiatives by leveraging local resources through its local revitalization team program. Applying knowledge and skills gained as a mechanical engineer, Fujihara identified new potential in unused tile factories and vacant houses, deciding to pursue land-based shrimp farming. By installing portable tanks indoors and raising Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), he promoted the shrimp at local events, conducted tastings, raised awareness of 'Kikuma Shrimp,' and gained widespread public support. This initiative inspired local companies, leading to the opening of the demonstration facility and the launch of a private-sector business.

Fujihara Toshimitsu explaining the shrimp farming project at the opening ceremony

Regional resources converge to create a new local brand

The Kikuma area has long developed its community around distinctive industries such as 'Kikuma tiles,' the 600-year-old traditional event 'Okomagoma no Hashiri-komi,' and energy production centered on Taiyo Oil's Shikoku Branch. However, in recent years, changes in housing styles and a decline in new home construction have reduced demand for tiles, leaving some tile factories abandoned.

Fujihara said, 'I'm grateful that local leaders shared my vision of connecting with representative regional companies, which brought us to this point.' Kikuma Eiseisha Co., Ltd. has now repurposed the former tile factory site into an aquaculture facility and established a demonstration site using waste heat seawater supplied by Taiyo Oil Co., Ltd.'s Shikoku Branch. 'Kikuma Shrimp' are raised in a fully controlled land-based environment, ensuring safety and reliability without reliance on chemicals. A major feature is that the shells are soft enough to eat whole. Through the convergence of human initiative, abandoned factory space, waste heat seawater, and local enterprises, a new regional brand combining deliciousness and safety has been born.

Aquaculture tanks are installed on the second floor of the former tile factory.

Aiming for a future where 'Kikuma means shrimp'

Moving forward, the project aims to strengthen the 'Kikuma Shrimp' brand, expand distribution channels, and include the product in hometown tax return gift programs. It also plans to expand community-participatory farming hubs, establish a 'Seto Inland Land-based Aquaculture Network,' and promote tourism integration, expanding the initiative across the entire region.

Fujihara said, 'I've been able to come this far thanks to the support of the local community. I am truly grateful. I hope everyone continues to support us warmly. My goal is to make Kikuma synonymous with shrimp.'

Imabari City aims to develop this initiative beyond an individual effort, nurturing it into a new model for regional revitalization centered on 'Kikuma Shrimp,' and advancing sustainable regional development together with local businesses and residents.

The opening ceremony was attended by local stakeholders and elementary school children, celebrating the first step toward creating a new regional industry.

[Related Information]

○ 'Passing on Kikuma's charm to the next generation through shrimp farming—Toshimitsu Fujihara' (Imabari City Relocation, Settlement, and Exchange Portal Site)

[Related Websites]

○ Imabari City Official Website

○ Imabari City Relocation, Settlement, and Exchange Portal Site 'Imabari Kurashi'

○ Imabari City Public Relations Strategy Project