Hekikai Frozen Female Eel Kotomi Launches Nationwide on June 16

Rare Domestic Female Eels Raised by a Third-Generation Eel Farmer

Hekikai Frozen Female Eel Kotomi Launches Nationwide on June 16

Yamaya Fish Farm Co., Ltd. (Takahama City, Aichi Prefecture) will launch 'Hekikai Frozen Female Eel Kotomi' nationwide from June 16, 2026. The product received the Jury Special Award at the Nippon no Takaramono Grand Prix.

Our company has been engaged in eel farming in Takahama City, Aichi Prefecture, for three generations, consistently dedicated to producing pure domestic eels raised from Japanese glass eels. The newly launched 'Hekikai Frozen Female Eel Kotomi' is a special product using only high-value female eels.

Background of Product Development

Amid growing consumer interest in food safety and production traceability, we have pursued our vision of 'delicious eel that can be eaten with peace of mind.'

For cultivation, we use high-quality groundwater pumped from 100 meters underground, supplemented by clean water from the Yahagi River system during certain seasons. Water temperature is maintained at approximately 30°C year-round, and both inner and outer linings of the ponds use shading vinyl to create a comfortable environment for eel growth.

Under this rigorous environmental management, our eel farmers carefully raise each eel by hand, resulting in the birth of our branded 'Hekikai Female Eel.'

The Rarity of 'Shinko Female Eel'

Only a few eel farms in Japan possess the advanced technique of harvesting female eels at the 'shinko' (young eel) stage, timed precisely for the Day of the Ox during midsummer.

Female eels are generally known for:

- Plump and tender flesh

- Thin skin, making them easier to eat

- Fewer small bones

- Minimal fishy odor

These characteristics have earned high praise from eel enthusiasts and professional chefs alike.

Product Overview

[Product Name]

Hekikai Frozen Female Eel Kotomi

[Launch Date]

June 16, 2026

[Sales Company]

Yamaya Fish Farm Co., Ltd.

[Production Location]

Takahama City, Aichi Prefecture

[Main Features]

- Pure domestic eel raised from Japanese glass eels

- Uses groundwater from 100m underground

- Utilizes clean water from the Yahagi River system

- Strictly controlled farming environment with water temperature maintained at 30°C

- Uses only rare female eels

- Plump texture with refined fat marbling

- Thin skin and fewer small bones

- Clean taste with no fishy odor

- Winner of the Jury Special Award at the Nippon no Takaramono Grand Prix

Executive Comment

'For three generations, we have seriously dedicated ourselves to eel farming. 'Hekikai Frozen Female Eel Kotomi' is the culmination of our long-standing aquaculture expertise and unwavering commitment to quality. We hope customers across Japan will enjoy the uniquely plump texture and rich umami flavor that only female eels can offer.'

Yamaya Fish Farm Co., Ltd.

Representative Director: Sadami Kasuya

Company Overview

[Company Name]

Yamaya Fish Farm Co., Ltd.

[Headquarters]

Takahama City, Aichi Prefecture

[Business Activities]

Eel farming, processing, and sales

[Founded]

Third-generation eel farming business

[Features]

Uses only domestically sourced glass eels and high-quality groundwater and clean river water to produce premium eels. Actively produces rare female eels and promotes regional branding.

Inquiries

Yamaya Fish Farm Co., Ltd.

Contact: Sadami Kasuya

TEL: 090-8078-2509

E-mail: unagi-house@katch.ne.jp