New Brand of Cherry Salmon 'Sakura-SAKURA-' Debuts: Now Available at 13 Jijiya Sushi Stores in Kumamoto

Fukunari Co., Ltd. (Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Representative Director: Yu Hirao) is launching its new brand of domestic cherry salmon, 'Sakura-SAKURA-,' raised in the abundant waters of Amakusa, Goshoura. Starting May 22, 2026, it will be available at 13 stores in Kumamoto prefecture operated by Jijiya Corporation (Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Representative Director: Yuki Ishikawa), including 'Tokkyu Kaisen Lane Sushi Jijiya,' 'Banban Sushi,' and 'Kyushu Sushi Ichiba.' Known as the 'phantom fish,' this cherry salmon is meticulously managed from the moment it is caught to ensure the most vibrant cherry-colored flesh and rich, sweet fat, delivered directly to customers in Kumamoto.

## Background: A New Spring Catch Born from 66 Years of Aquaculture History
Since its founding in 1960, Fukunari has been engaged in aquaculture, primarily focusing on tiger pufferfish and red sea bream, in Goshoura, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, for 66 years. Facing challenges such as natural disasters like red tides and floods, labor shortages, and declining prices, the company has designated 2026 as the 'First Year of Second Founding' with a mission to 'create a future for the fishing industry where producers can work with pride.' As part of this, Fukunari has collaborated with Smolt Co., Ltd. (Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture) to establish the first production system for domestic cherry salmon in Kumamoto via sea-surface aquaculture. By managing freshness immediately after the catch, they ensure the delicate umami of the cherry salmon reaches consumers in peak condition.

## About 'Sakura-SAKURA-'
- Brand Name: Sakura-SAKURA-
- Production Area: Waters of Goshoura, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Fish Type: Domestic cherry salmon (heat-resistant variety)
- Production Technology: 66 years of aquaculture expertise; feed contains cherry leaves
- Taste Profile: Fine-textured cherry-colored flesh; sweet fat with an elegant umami. Ideal for sushi, sashimi, and seared preparations.

## Partnership with Jijiya: From 'Local Consumption' to 'Local Connections'
Jijiya Corporation operates 29 sushi chain stores across Kyushu based in Kumamoto. With a philosophy of 'delivering fresh, delicious sushi and smiles,' they have been actively promoting local production for local consumption, including initiatives like 'Kumamoto-mon x Jijiya Jack,' where chefs and buyers visit producers to share their stories. This partnership was realized through alignment with Fukunari's mission of 'connecting food to the future of our children,' completing a supply chain that delivers Amakusa's bounty along with the producers' passion.

## Comment from Fukunari Representative
'Sakura-SAKURA- was born as a ray of hope for producers pushed into life-or-death situations by the decline of Amakusa's fishery industry and natural disasters like red tide. Fukunari became the 'first penguin' to start test farming to serve as a beacon of hope for producers. We have raised this fish with a single-minded desire to deliver the delicate beauty and powerful umami of cherry salmon to everyone who eats it. I am sincerely happy that, thanks to Jijiya, it will reach the tables of people in Kumamoto at 13 stores. I hope this encounter will lead more people to take pride in their local sea.' (Yu Hirao, Representative Director, Fukunari Co., Ltd.)