Tomoda Selling & Sailing Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based seafood processing and export company headquartered in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture. Renowned for its premium crab and marine product offerings, Tomoda has established itself as a critical player in Japan's seafood supply chain. With over four decades of experience, the company is known for its integration of traditional Japanese seafood craftsmanship with modern, patented processing technologies.
Company Background
Founded in 1978 by Hiroshi Tomoda, Tomoda Selling & Sailing emerged from the port city of Sakaiminato—one of Japan’s richest marine resource regions. The company was initially focused on wholesale crab distribution but has since evolved into a vertically integrated seafood enterprise with operations spanning harvesting, processing, technology development, domestic distribution, and international export.
Core Business & Offerings
Tomoda specializes in a wide array of high-quality seafood products, particularly focusing on crab and fish items. Its primary offerings include:
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Crab Products:
- King Crab (Taraba) – Valued for its large legs and sweet flavor.
- Snow Crab (Zuwaigani) – Delicately textured and highly sought-after in Asian markets.
- Red Snow Crab (Benizuwaigani) – Processed and frozen for global distribution.
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Fish Products:
- Frozen Fish Fillets
- Fresh Marine Fish
- Seasonal and Region-Specific Specialties
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Processing Equipment & Patented Technologies:
- In-house developed machinery for crab shelling and freezing, allowing for consistent yield and efficiency.
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Import & Export Services:
- Wholesale distribution of marine products to global markets including the U.S., Europe, and East Asia.
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E-commerce Sales:
- Domestic direct-to-consumer platform for crab and seafood under the "KANIMAI" brand.
Specialization and USP
Tomoda’s unique value proposition is rooted in:
- Origin Advantage: Located in Sakaiminato, the company enjoys direct access to Japan Sea's abundant crab and fish harvests.
- Vertical Integration: From ocean to processing and packaging, Tomoda manages every link in the supply chain.
- Proprietary Technology: Patented crab processing systems enhance safety, hygiene, and yield efficiency.
- Global Market Reach: With multilingual capabilities and international trade networks, the company maintains long-standing export partnerships.
Its commitment to quality and traceability ensures that every product aligns with both Japanese and international food safety standards.
Financial Highlights
Although privately held, Tomoda is regarded as one of the key marine product exporters in western Japan:
- Annual processing volume exceeds 2,500 metric tons of crab products.
- Export markets contribute to over 40% of total revenue, with clients in the U.S., Korea, China, and Europe.
- The domestic e-commerce division under the KANIMAI brand saw double-digit growth annually since 2020, capitalizing on Japan’s rising D2C trend.
Shipment and Market Reach
Tomoda operates multiple cold storage and shipping hubs to support international logistics:
- Cold Chain Logistics: Maintains product integrity from Sakaiminato to overseas ports.
- Export Markets: United States, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, France, and Germany.
- Import Activities: Handles select marine imports for domestic Japanese distribution.
All international shipments are managed with HACCP and ISO-compliant cold chain logistics.
Target Market
- Wholesale Seafood Distributors
- Gourmet Retail Chains
- Luxury Hospitality Chains and Hotels
- Japanese Restaurants and Sushi Chains
- Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce Customers
Their clientele includes high-end food retailers and Michelin-starred restaurant suppliers.
Capabilities
- In-House Processing: From shell removal to portioning, flash freezing, and vacuum packaging.
- R&D in Seafood Equipment: Innovates processing machinery and contributes to food safety tech.
- Multilingual Export Team: Supports English, Chinese, and Korean markets.
- Seasonal Product Handling: Specializes in managing peak harvest surges.
Certifications and Compliance
- HACCP Certified seafood processing facilities.
- Compliant with Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) and export requirements of FDA (U.S.), EU Food Law, and China AQSIQ.
- Member of the Japan Fisheries Association and the Marine Eco-label Japan for sustainable practices.
Customer Testimonials
- “Tomoda’s red snow crab has become our top-seller for three consecutive years. Their quality and consistency are unparalleled.” — Seafood Importer, Seoul
- “KANIMAI’s products are beautifully packaged and of exceptional freshness. Our customers feel like they’re enjoying restaurant-grade crab at home.” — Japanese E-commerce Retailer
Achievements
- Recognized as one of Japan’s Top 10 Crab Exporters.
- Developed four patented seafood processing machines adopted by regional peers.
- Featured in NHK, The Japan Times, and SeafoodSource for innovation in seafood technology.
- Strategic collaboration with Tottori Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative for resource sustainability and traceability.
Tomoda Selling & Sailing Co., Ltd. stands as a hallmark of Japanese excellence in seafood processing and export, combining generations of marine know-how with forward-thinking innovation to bring the best of Japan’s ocean harvest to the world.
