NTT Com launches land-based aquaculture subsidiary to boost sustainability and rural development.
Japanese telecommunications giant NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), part of the Docomo Group, has announced the establishment of NTT Aqua Co., Ltd., a subsidiary dedicated to land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. Operations commenced on December 2, 2024, with the subsidiary aiming to lower entry barriers for aquaculture, revitalize rural areas, and enhance Japan’s food security.
NTT Aqua’s launch comes as Japan grapples with depopulation and aging demographics in rural areas, with approximately 60% of the country’s land area classified as depopulated. Migration to urban centers has left many rural regions struggling to sustain industries and attract new economic opportunities.
Simultaneously, global climate change and rising food demand have highlighted the need for innovative solutions to strengthen Japan’s food security. Land-based aquaculture offers a promising alternative to traditional marine farming by reducing environmental impact and providing stable production.
NTT Aqua’s approach centers on closed recirculating systems designed to minimize environmental harm while leveraging unused facilities such as abandoned schools and warehouses. This enables participants to enter the aquaculture industry without requiring traditional fishing rights.
In partnership with Okinawa-based Akajin, NTT Aqua combines advanced filtration technology with digital tools to simplify operations:
- Chemical Filtration Technology: Akajin’s filtration system bypasses conventional bacteria-based biological tanks, reducing land requirements and simplifying maintenance while ensuring stable production.
- ICT Integration: NTT Aqua’s proprietary platform offers real-time monitoring of water conditions, including temperature, oxygen levels, and salinity, preconfigured for optimal conditions based on fish species. Automated alerts further assist operators, making the system accessible to those with no prior aquaculture experience.
NTT Aqua has begun operations with two fish species, including tilefish, and is trialing chub mackerel. The company plans to add one or two new species annually. It has set an ambitious target of achieving sales in the tens of billions of yen by 2030, driven by partnerships within the NTT Group.
“By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering sustainable practices, NTT Aqua aims to make land-based aquaculture a cornerstone of rural revitalization,” said Keiichi Yamamoto, President and CEO of NTT Aqua.
“Once the fish becomes the region’s local brand, people will come and eat it, and farmers who raise the fish will then become more attached to it. It’s that cycle we are hoping to see,” said Yamamoto.
NTT Aqua positions itself as a key player in transforming aquaculture, aligning with broader national goals of economic renewal and environmental sustainability. By integrating advanced technology with sustainable farming practices, the initiative seeks to create opportunities in depopulated regions while addressing pressing food security concerns.
This strategic move underscores NTT Com’s commitment to leveraging innovation for long-term societal benefits.
