Tokai Denpun USA, Inc. is a premier importer and wholesaler of premium Japanese seafood products based in Redmond, California. As a subsidiary of Tokai Denpun Co., Ltd. of Japan, the company brings over five decades of expertise in sourcing, processing, and distributing high-quality seafood, with a special focus on sushi-grade items tailored for Japanese restaurants, supermarkets, and foodservice operators across North America.
Core Business and Offerings
Tokai Denpun USA specializes in the procurement and supply of frozen seafood, shellfish, imitation crab products, and Japanese delicacies. The company operates with direct access to coastal fisheries in Japan and Southeast Asia, ensuring quality and traceability in every shipment.
Key product categories include:
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Frozen Fish:
- Hamachi (Yellowtail) Fillet
- Tuna Saku (center-cut block)
- Escolar Saku AAA
- Mackerel Fillet
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Shellfish:
- Japanese Scallop (dry pack, sashimi grade)
- Sushi Ebi (cooked white shrimp)
- Softshell Crab (frozen, battered or raw)
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Kanikama (Imitation Crab):
- Takumi Brand Crab Stick
- Osaki Brand Crab Stick
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Octopus & Squid:
- Steamed Octopus (tako)
- Frozen Cuttle Fish Fillet (Mongo Ika)
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Chinmi & Sea Vegetables:
- Seasoned Squid Salad
- Hiyashi Wakame (seaweed salad)
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Other Japanese Staples:
- Edamame (young soybeans)
- Vegetable Kakiage (tempura fritters)
All products are optimized for foodservice, available in bulk packaging, and distributed through cold chain logistics to maintain freshness and safety.
Specialisation and Core USP
Tokai Denpun’s key differentiators include:
- Direct sourcing partnerships with certified fisheries and aquaculture farms in Japan and Vietnam
- Exclusive brand lines such as Takumi, Osaki, and Mr. Chin
- Rigorous quality control including HACCP-compliant freezing and packaging processes
- Strong presence in the Japanese and Asian culinary market, making it a trusted vendor for top-tier sushi restaurants and retailers
The company maintains a Japan-standard operational ethos, blending efficiency, transparency, and superior quality in its U.S. distribution network.
Financial and Operational Insights
As a privately held importer and distributor, Tokai Denpun USA's operational footprint is focused on high-volume, high-frequency B2B sales.
Estimated performance indicators include:
- Annual revenues between $8 million and $15 million USD
- Servicing over 1,000 restaurant and wholesale accounts across California, Washington, and New Jersey
- Maintaining a product catalog of over 200+ SKUs
- Warehousing and cold storage operations in Redmond, CA; Bellevue, WA; and Carlstadt, NJ
Their average customer order size ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, emphasizing bulk seafood distribution to regional chains and premium sushi bars.
Shipment and Export Activity
Tokai Denpun USA focuses primarily on domestic U.S. distribution while leveraging its parent company's international logistics for import activity. Key logistics capabilities include:
- Cold chain fulfillment with regional hubs and freezer-equipped delivery fleet
- Weekly imports from partner seafood processors in Japan and Vietnam
- Nationwide LTL and FTL shipping for qualified wholesale clients
All products are packaged for optimal shelf life, typically 12–24 months frozen, with clear origin labeling and temperature-monitoring protocols during transit.
Target Market
Tokai Denpun USA caters to:
- Japanese and Asian Cuisine Restaurants: Sushi bars, izakayas, ramen shops
- Supermarkets & Grocery Chains: Asian food retailers and upscale specialty stores
- Food Distributors & Wholesalers: Bulk resale partners across the U.S.
- Catering & Hospitality Groups: High-end hotel dining, corporate events, and institutional catering
Their core customer segment includes decision-makers in food procurement, chefs, and regional foodservice buyers seeking authentic, sashimi-grade seafood.
Capabilities
The company maintains robust operational capabilities including:
- Multistate warehouse and inventory control
- In-house logistics coordination
- Bilingual sales and customer support (English/Japanese)
- Regulatory compliance for seafood importation (USDA, FDA, NOAA)
- Online catalog with downloadable brochures and product specifications
In addition, Tokai Denpun supports product demos, chef education, and custom order configurations for chain restaurants.
Certifications and Compliance
Tokai Denpun adheres to the highest standards for food safety and compliance:
- FDA and USDA Import Compliance
- HACCP Certification at source facilities
- Third-party audits and random lot testing for heavy metals and microbiological safety
- Strict temperature control throughout supply chain
All seafood is responsibly sourced, with documentation available for country of origin, catch method, and processing standards.
Customer Testimonials
Restaurants and distributors praise Tokai Denpun for its consistency and reliability:
“The quality of their scallops and crab sticks is unmatched. We’ve relied on them for over 6 years with zero supply issues.”
— Executive Chef, LA-based Sushi Restaurant
“We switched to Tokai Denpun for their superior hamachi. Their delivery logistics and freshness speak for themselves.”
— Regional Buyer, Seattle Seafood Distributor
Major Achievements
- Launched U.S. subsidiary operations in 2006 to streamline North American distribution
- Exclusive importer of Takumi and Osaki brand Kanikama for U.S. retail
- Distributed over 2,000 metric tons of seafood in 2023 across the U.S. market
- Expanded into frozen prepared foods segment with edamame and kakiage offerings
- Recognized by Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA) for consistent product excellence
Tokai Denpun USA, Inc. continues to bridge the gap between Japanese culinary tradition and American foodservice demand—delivering authenticity, freshness, and trust in every shipment.