Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

KITAUROKO ARAKI SYOUTEN CO., LTD., headquartered in Nemuro City, Hokkaido, Japan, is a long-established seafood processor and exporter renowned for its specialization in premium crab products sourced both domestically and globally. With a legacy that dates back over half a century, the company plays a key role in Japan’s northernmost seafood supply chain, delivering top-tier crustaceans to global markets.

Core Business and Product Offerings

KITAUROKO ARAKI SYOUTEN focuses on the procurement, processing, freezing, and export of high-grade crab varieties. The company is recognized for its direct handling of both wild-caught and imported crab, offering consistent quality through its HACCP-compliant processing facilities.

Key Product Categories

• Japanese Origin Crabs

  • Hanasaki King Crab (Paralithodes brevipes): A prized local species native to Nemuro, known for its rich taste and firm texture. Only found in Hokkaido waters and harvested in small quantities.
  • Hair Crab (Erimacrus isenbeckii): Valued for its sweet, delicate meat and abundant crab miso, this is a culinary favorite in Japanese haute cuisine.
  • Kuri Crab (Telmessus cheiragonus): A lesser-known species prized for its strong flavor, often served in local delicacies.

• Overseas Origin Crabs

  • Snow Crab (Opilio/Bairdi): Sourced from North American and Russian waters, known for long legs and sweet, flaky meat.
  • Southern Red King Crab (Lithodes santolla): Harvested from South America, particularly off the coasts of Chile and Argentina.
  • Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus): One of the largest and most sought-after crabs, sourced from cold northern waters including the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk.
  • Deepwater Red Crab (Chaceon maritae, Chaceon macphersoni): Imported from African and South American fisheries, used for value-added and industrial seafood processing.

Specialization and Value Proposition

What distinguishes KITAUROKO ARAKI SYOUTEN is its strong sourcing network in both domestic and overseas fisheries, enabling the company to provide year-round supply of premium crab. Based in Nemuro, one of Japan’s richest fishing ports, the company benefits from proximity to fresh landings and deep-rooted relationships with local fishing cooperatives.

Its in-house processing facilities are equipped with advanced freezing technologies and manual inspection processes to maintain the integrity of texture and flavor, which is critical in preserving high-end seafood for global export markets.

Export and Shipment Data

According to import-export tracking databases such as ImportYeti and Volza, KITAUROKO ARAKI SYOUTEN has been actively exporting to:

• United States
• China
• Taiwan
• Vietnam
• South Korea

In the last fiscal year, the company was recorded to have exported over 150 metric tons of frozen crab products, with more than 100 individual shipments processed through Hokkaido and Tokyo ports. The top destinations include major seafood importers and distribution companies in East Asia and North America, indicating consistent global demand.

Target Markets

• Seafood Distributors and Wholesalers
• High-End Restaurants and Hotels
• Premium Supermarkets and Retail Chains
• Industrial Seafood Processors (for paste, spreads, and soups)

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• HACCP-Certified Processing Plant: Ensures international food safety compliance.
• Cold Chain Export Logistics: Optimized for long-distance fresh/frozen seafood transportation.
• Sourcing Network: Deep ties with fisheries across Japan, Russia, South America, and Africa.

Certifications and Compliance

• Compliant with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards for food safety.
• Registered with the Japan Fisheries Agency for authorized seafood export.
• In adherence with international fisheries sustainability norms, ensuring responsible sourcing particularly for wild-caught crab species.

Major Achievements

• Recognized as a long-standing supplier to Japan’s premium crab market, including luxury ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) and department store food halls.
• Maintains consistent presence in seafood trade shows such as Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo, strengthening its international visibility.
• Successfully developed cross-border trade relationships despite global disruptions, demonstrating high operational resilience.

KITAUROKO ARAKI SYOUTEN CO., LTD. remains a trusted name in the global crab export business, backed by deep expertise in crab processing, a strategic coastal location, and a commitment to product quality and safety. It continues to deliver on Japan’s legacy of excellence in seafood craftsmanship to discerning buyers around the world.