Itochu Interactive Co., Ltd. and F.Design NAGASAKI Co., Ltd. have launched a frozen sashimi subscription service delivering Nagasaki-caught fish across Japan [1, 2].
The service aims to create new market channels for local fisheries by leveraging Nagasaki's status as the region with the greatest diversity of fish species in Japan [1, 2].
Operating under the name "さかなとくらし one bite fish," the subscription model provides customers with a variety of frozen sashimi [1, 2]. The initiative was developed in partnership with the Nagasaki fishery cooperative to add value to the region's natural aquatic resources [1, 2].
According to project documentation, the service was slated to begin during the 2024-2025 fiscal year [2]. The project has already gained industry recognition, receiving the 2025 Good Design Award [2].
By shifting to a subscription-based delivery system, the partners intend to stabilize demand for local fishers while introducing consumers to species they may not find in standard retail outlets [1, 2]. The frozen format allows for nationwide shipping while maintaining the quality of the sashimi [1, 2].
Nagasaki is uniquely positioned for this venture due to its geographic location and the breadth of its marine biodiversity [1]. This partnership between a corporate interactive entity, a design firm, and a fishery cooperative represents a strategic attempt to modernize the distribution of traditional seafood products [1, 2].
“The service aims to create new market channels for local fisheries.”
This initiative reflects a broader trend in Japan to digitize and modernize primary industries like fishing. By moving from traditional wholesale markets to a direct-to-consumer subscription model, local fisheries can potentially capture more value from their products and reduce reliance on volatile middleman pricing, while utilizing cold-chain logistics to expand their geographic reach.
