“FOOD & LIFE KYORITSU MARINE,” a Joint Venture Between F&LC and Kyoritsu, Begins Operations to Ensure a Stable Supply of Marine Resources

　FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES Co., Ltd. (Suita City, Osaka Prefecture; President and CEO Masahiro Yamamoto; hereinafter “F&LC”) and Kyoritsu Co., Ltd. (Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director Naotake Ide;hereinafter “Kyoritsu”) have established a joint venture, “FOOD & LIFE KYORITSU MARINE Co., Ltd.(Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President and CEO: Kazuo Aratani; hereinafter “F&LKM”) in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, on October 1, 2026, with the aim of ensuring a stable supply of sustainable marine resources. In response to rising sea temperatures caused by global warming, the companies are focusing on the characteristics of Suruga Bay, where aquaculture conditions are relatively stable, and will promote production support for aquaculture operators and the strengthening of the supply chain, primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture.
　To launch this initiative, we are currently working with local aquaculture operators to produce yellowtail (hamachi)*1, with plans to begin selling it at select Sushiro locations starting in October 2026.

1. Background of Establishment and Overview of the New Company: In recent
years, securing fishery resources has become increasingly difficult due to factors such as rising sea temperatures associated with global warming. In particular, yellowtail—which primarily inhabits waters near Japan—faces challenges in ensuring a stable supply, including significant fluctuations in the catch of wild fry and difficulties in growth caused by high water temperatures during the summer.
　At the same time, at the conveyor-belt sushi chain “Sushiro,” yellowtail (hamachi) is a popular sushi topping on par with tuna and salmon. Recognizing the importance of establishing a sustainable aquaculture and production system for yellowtail (hamachi), F&LC has been advancing various initiatives to date.
　To address these challenges, we focused on the waters of Shizuoka Prefecture—located in the northern part of Japan’s major aquaculture production areas and characterized by stable seawater temperatures year-round—and established this company to build a sustainable procurement infrastructure.
　F&LKM will procure and sell carefully selected juvenile fish (intermediate-stage fish) and optimal feed to producers, while also providing assistance with aquaculture production management. We aim to support the sustainable business operations of aquaculture operators and ensure a stable supply of seafood that is traceable and of the highest taste and quality.
*1 The standard Japanese name for this fish species is “Buri.” We use this term because “Buri” is the officially registered scientific name.
“Hamachi” is a name used depending on the growth stage or region. At Sushiro, we use the product names “Hamachi” and “Buri” depending on the growth stage.

2. New Company’s Main Products: Features of Yellowtail (Hamachi) — F&LKM has launched a business handling yellowtail (hamachi) in partnership with “Marutaka Suisan Co., Ltd.,” a local aquaculture operator in
Shizuoka Prefecture.We have established a system in which F&LKM sells carefully selected feed, provides technical advice and support throughout the rearing process, and sells aquaculture equipment.
　This yellowtail (hamachi) is raised in Suruga Bay—Japan’s deepest bay, where groundwater from Mount Fuji flows in and water temperatures remain stable even in summer—resulting in a rich, fatty flavor.
　Furthermore, taking advantage of Shizuoka’s location—which is relatively close to designated processing plants in the Kanto region—we have established a freshness management system in which the fish are transported alive in refrigerated trucks and delivered to stores such as Sushiro on the same day they are freshly slaughtered.
We plan to begin selling this yellowtail as “Mt. Fuji Hamachi” (in limited quantities) at select Sushiro locations starting in October 2026.

■ Overview of the Joint Venture “FOOD & LIFE KYORITSU MARINE Co., Ltd.”

•    Company Name: FOOD & LIFE KYORITSU MARINE Co., Ltd.
•    Established: October 1, 2026
• 　Headquarters: Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture
•    Representative: Kazuo Aratani, President and CEO　
•    Capital: 100 million
    yen Ownership: FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES, Inc. 60% / Kyoritsu Co., Ltd. 40%
•    Business Activities: Production support for aquaculture companies; cultivation and procurement of seafood

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