JR Shikoku, the prominent railway operator, is taking significant steps to diversify its business by venturinginto salmon farming. The company officially announced its plans for establishing trout salmon aquaculture facilitiesin Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, marking its foray beyond traditional railroad operations.
President Kazuyuki Shikinomiya revealed at the company’s press conference on January 28, 2025,that JR Shikoku has identified Saijo City as the ideal location for its salmon farming initiative. The company intends toset up 13 fish tanks at the local fishery cooperative by March, with juvenile fish set to be released shortlyafter this initial setup. The first shipments of locally farmed salmon are expected to start by January 2026.
According to JR Shikoku’s plans, the goal is to produce between 12 to 13 tons of salmon each year,with revenue projections expected to exceed 100 million yen by 2030. This ambition aligns with the company’sstrategy to expand its revenue sources beyond rail operations, particularly as they face challenges in sustainingprofitability within the rail sector.
What makes this venture particularly compelling is the strategic choice of location. The region boasts high-qualityaquaculture conditions due to its abundant and clean underground water from the Ishizuchi mountain range. Shikinomiyaemphasized, "We aim to deepen the expansion of this salmon venture within Shikoku rather than broadeningit widely," highlighting the firm's commitment to focusing on local production and community involvement.
JR Shikoku is collaborating with local fisheries, including Kiryu Suisan, to facilitate the aquacultureprocess. This partnership not only taps local expertise but also ensures the salmon produced will cater toregional taste preferences, which have shown favorable responses to sweet and delicate flavors characteristic oftrout salmon.
Discussions are underway to include these salmon products within local restaurants and as part of thehometown tax return gift program, effectively linking the farming initiative with local economic development. Shikinomiya noted, "We are happy to see aquaculture achieved within Shikoku and look forwardto securing additional aquaculture locations, enabling us to increase production capacity and contribute positivelyto the local economy."
The first batch of juvenile salmon will be released after the installation of the aquaculture systems, markingthe start of what JR Shikoku expects will be a fruitful venture. With this initiative, the company plans to explorefurther aquaculture sites across the Shikoku region, continuing its ambitious strategy of diversifying business operationswhile supporting local industry.
The socio-economic impacts of this project are geared not only toward generating revenue for JR Shikoku butalso revitalizing the local fishing industry and community. Local restaurants are expected to serve thesehomegrown salmon, fostering a strong local brand recognition and increasing tourism to the region.
Overall, JR Shikoku's venture signifies more than just another business project; it embodiesthe potential for local development through sustainable aquaculture. With anticipated harvests around thecorner and the ambitious projection of generating significant revenue, all eyes will be watching how this ventureunfolds and whether it can provide much-needed support to the region’s economy amid changing times.
By blending its railway legacy with innovative fishing practices, JR Shikoku stands poised to redefine thefuture of local enterprises—where rail tracks meet aquatic possibilities, nurturing community and economytogether.