January 9, 2023

Kura Sushi launches AI-farmed mackerel tuna in Japan

Kura Sushi featured farmed "AI Sumagatsuo" at its restaurants in Japan for the first time in December 2-15 last year.

The AI Sumagatsuo – also known as eastern little tuna or mackerel tuna in English – is the third fish species being farmed at the sushi chain's Kura Osakana Farm, joining its farming of red sea bream and yellowtail.

Kura Sushi said its first batch of farmed mackerel tuna totaled six tonnes, and the company intends to double production in 2023.

The fish are farmed through a process utilising artificial intelligence provided by Umitron Corporation, a Tokyo, Japan-based technology firm that has moved into the aquaculture space.

"The aim is to reduce procurement costs and stabilise purchases by using domestically farmed fish," Kura Sushi said in a press release.

About 70% of Kura Sushi's sushi toppings are imported, and procurement costs are increasing due to rising prices and the weak yen. Additionally, Japanese aquaculture is suffering labor shortages and increased production costs – including the cost of feed. The use of automation, and artificial intelligence to regulate the feeding amount, helps to address these issues, Kura Sushi said.

Kura Sushi collaborated with Ehime Prefecture, Ehime University and aquaculture companies in Ehime Prefecture to produce the AI Sumagatsuo. It took about six months from hatching to grow the fish to a shipping size of 1.2-1.3 kilogrammes.

- SeafoodSource