Instant Decision After Tasting: Katori Store, 102-Year-Old Retailer, Launches Fukuoka-Origin 'Nama-Tate' Non-Frozen Tarako

Yamato Violetz Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Takeshi Yanagawa), a 100% subsidiary of 'Fukuya'—the originator of spicy cod roe—and a manufacturer of mentaiko and tarako as well as OEM processing—announced the launch of its flagship products, 'Nama-Tate Aji no Tarako' (Seasoned Cod Roe) and 'Nama-Tate Karashi Mentaiko' (Spicy Cod Roe), at 'Katori Store Ookina Shinzenmura' operated by Katori Store Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture; Founded in 1924) starting June 12, 2026. The rollout will be sequentially expanded to Katori Store's main store and Haraguchi branch.

Katori Store, with 102 years of history and aiming to become a hub for regional cuisine, and Yamato Violetz, 'Japan’s company that values tarako the most,' shared a common belief: 'Deliver authentic freshness to dining tables.' This shared vision has made the collaboration possible.

<‘Nama-Tate Aji no Tarako’ and ‘Nama-Tate Karashi Mentaiko’ at Katori Store Ookina Shinzenmura>

◾️ What is 'Nama-Tate Tarako'? | A Non-Frozen Process That Challenges Industry Norms

'Nama-Tate' refers to tarako and mentaiko produced using Yamato Violetz’s proprietary non-frozen method, where raw tarako is processed into finished products without undergoing any freezing step after factory arrival.

Most commercial mentaiko and tarako are frozen during manufacturing for logistical convenience. However, freezing and thawing inevitably damage cells, cause moisture loss, and negatively affect texture and flavor.

Yamato Violetz’s 'Nama-Tate' solves these issues. By processing the product without freezing it even once after arrival, the method maximizes the tarako’s natural juicy, popping texture and rich umami.

The Deciding Factor: 'Emotion' from Tasting and Commitment to Authentic Kyushu Quality

Katori Store, committed to true freshness, and Yamato Violetz, dedicated to non-frozen processing, were introduced through a mutual contact. After tasting 'Nama-Tate,' Mr. Tetsuro Katori was deeply impressed by its flavor and immediately proposed carrying the product.

"Of course, the taste is excellent, but I was also drawn to the philosophy—no artificial coloring, only one freezing step in the entire process, and nearly non-frozen delivery. I want to share this with our customers."

Tetsuro Katori, Director and Head of Management Division, Katori Store Co., Ltd.

◾️ Product Lineup | Two Types for Different Uses

Nama-Tate Aji no Tarako (Seasoned Cod Roe)

・Gentle, dashi-infused flavor

・Enjoyable for both children and adults

・Perfect with onigiri, pasta, or as a rice topping

Nama-Tate Karashi Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe)

・Sharp spiciness with deep umami

・Fukuoka’s traditional flavor, served 'fresh'

・Delicious on its own or as a cooking accent

*Both products are non-frozen, delivering the authentic 'popping' texture.

Future Plans

<Inside Katori Store Ookina Shinzenmura>

Katori Store plans to conduct active tasting events to directly convey the charm of 'Nama-Tate’s' production method and flavor to customers. Following the launch at Ookina Shinzenmura, the product will be sequentially rolled out to Katori Store’s main store and Haraguchi branch.

Mr. Katori stated, "We aim to build a store where customers feel, 'Shopping at Katori means peace of mind.' We are striving to become a hub for regional cuisine."

Yamato Violetz will further accelerate the nationwide expansion of the 'Nama-Tate' series, starting with this initiative.

About Katori Store | A 102-Year-Old Local Leader Supporting Omura, Nagasaki

Katori Store Co., Ltd. traces its origins to 1924, when founder Masuzo Katori started as a rice milling and wholesale business. About 50 years ago, Shigeru Katori transformed the business into a supermarket, and since then, it has consistently operated as a community-focused supermarket.

14 years ago, leveraging urban redevelopment in Omura City, the company opened 'Ookina Shinzenmura' inside 'Koremo Omura.' It established a direct-from-producer sales model, offering vegetables from local farmers, daily purchases from Nagasaki Fish Market, and regional specialties like Ikichi Beef and Hoshuju Pork. It differentiates itself from major chains by being the only store in the prefecture to carry products from Tomizawa Shoten and Kinokuniya.

In 2026, its in-house developed tofu croquette won the Grand Prize (Japan’s No. 1) at the 'Bento & Deli Grand Prix 2026' hosted by the National Supermarket Association, highlighting its active product development in deli and grocery.

<Company Overview>

Company Name: Katori Store Co., Ltd.

Founded: 1924 (102 years as of Reiwa 8)

Headquarters: 1050 Haraguchimachi, Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Business: Operation of community-based supermarkets focused on fresh food

Store: Katori Store Ookina Shinzenmura (604 Higashihonmachi, Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture; inside Koremo Omura)

URL: https://katoristore.com/

◾️ About Yamato Violetz | Innovation Enabled by Fukuya Group’s Expertise

Yamato Violetz has refined its technology for 30 years as a 100% subsidiary of 'Fukuya,' the pioneer of spicy cod roe. Committed to being 'Japan’s company that values tarako the most,' it maintains international-standard quality control at its ISO22000-certified factory. The company maximizes the value of each roe grain, aiming to elevate industry-wide quality through value-added products.