Itochu Interactive Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Munehisa Miwa; hereinafter 'the Company') has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with new partner companies for 'Sakana to Kurashi one bite fish,' a Nagasaki-origin seafood subscription service that won the 2025 Good Design Award and has delivered a cumulative total of 15,000 packs. The production and processing sites in Nagasaki and the planning company in Tokyo will collaborate to move towards a renewal under a new structure that connects the rich sea with the dining table.

[Background and Introduction] The sea of Nagasaki boasts the highest diversity of fish species in Japan. Behind this rich bounty, the local fishing industry faces challenges such as an aging workforce and a lack of successors. At the same time, it also confronts distribution issues, as this diverse deliciousness is not sufficiently reaching dining tables nationwide. Meanwhile, in consumer areas, the opportunity to handle fish in daily meals is decreasing due to the effort required for cooking and difficulties in preservation.

We have proposed a new option: 'staple fish' (as opposed to 'side dish'), which can be easily enjoyed simply by thawing. To enhance the sustainability of Japan's fishing industry and pass on the blessings of the rich sea to the future, it is necessary to reconnect production areas and consumers in a better way. To achieve this, this project will transition to a new structure that brings together specialized knowledge from various fields.

The new service (acceptance of product purchases) is scheduled to begin in early July 2026.

[Role Allocation in the New Structure] We have established a serious co-creation structure where professionals deeply involved in the sea of Nagasaki in production, processing, and planning themselves become the 'sales entity,' and the power of digital and experience design to reach urban consumers 'supports' this. The main roles of each company in this project are as follows:

Nagasaki Fishing Port Fisheries Processing Complex Cooperative Association (Product sales entity, order reception/placement window, quality control): It will serve as the official sales entity (order reception/placement window) for this service. In addition to the sashimi manufactured by the Prefectural Fisheries Federation, it will function as a hub that consolidates products (spot items) from various fisheries processing manufacturers concentrated within the complex. Under thorough quality control, it will handle the infrastructure for directly delivering safe and secure products to customers nationwide.

Nagasaki Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (Supply of marine products, product development, manufacturing): Utilizing its prefecture-wide network, it will procure high-quality fresh fish landed in Nagasaki Prefecture as raw materials. It will strictly assess freshness, fat content, and meat quality, using only carefully selected raw materials. Furthermore, it will manufacture sashimi using the latest quick-freezing technology that does not damage cells, striving to allow households to enjoy a taste close to freshly caught fish. As the core of the production base supporting Nagasaki's fisheries infrastructure, it will lead the product development for this project.

F. Design NAGASAKI Co., Ltd. (Project promotion, product planning, on-site coordination): While meticulously handling production area coordination and on-site adjustments, it will be responsible for driving the overall project and directing product planning. Leveraging solid culinary know-how, it will materialize recipes and experiences for 'staple fish' that are delicious simply by thawing, from the Nagasaki side.

Itochu Interactive Inc. (Provision of EC platform, digital measures): As a partner in the digital domain of this project, it will be responsible for the construction and operation of the EC site, brand development, and overall marketing. Under the philosophy of 'Sanpo-yoshi' (good for the seller, buyer, and society), the manufacturing, planning, and sales of products will be led by businesses in Nagasaki, while the Company will focus on providing the platform and designing experiences through digital means to support the business.

[Future Service Development and Request for Survey Cooperation] The new EC platform after the renewal is currently being prepared. In addition to further improving the existing subscription service, we are progressing with plans that allow customers to enjoy Nagasaki's fish in a freer style, such as easy 'one-time purchases (spot products)' and gifts. We also plan to create experiential opportunities through joint exhibitions at external real events.

Going forward, 'one bite fish' aims to share and utilize customer feedback and data among the companies, and together with everyone who supports us, create a 'service that is truly needed' to protect the sea and enrich the dining table.

Future information regarding the renewal will be delivered with top priority through the 'LINE Official Account.'

We also kindly ask for your cooperation in a preliminary survey to reflect your thoughts in the new service.

Register for the official LINE and answer the survey here: LINE friend addition URL: https://lin.ee/q4ej4nz

[Related Links] ・Sakana to Kurashi one bite fish official website: https://www.onebitefish.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership