NEWS

Mirai Okinawa, as part of the Okinawa Financial  Group, is engaged in initiatives aimed at solving  social and environmental issues. Through the  signing of this contract, Mirai Okinawa will start  selling ARK's small-scale, decentralised land based recirculating aquaculture systems to  businesses in Okinawa Prefecture, utilising its  regional network.

Furthermore, through this business partnership,  we believe that by promoting the land-based  aquaculture of tropical fish and shellfish, which  ARK has been advancing with the University of  the Ryukyus and others since 2022, we can  significantly contribute to Okinawa Prefecture's  pursuit of industrial and environmental  

sustainability in the following three key aspects

1. Protecting Okinawa's seas: Conservation of  marine environment and resources. By using  ARK’s products, which require no constant water  discharge during aquaculture and lower risk of  disease outbreaks, we achieve environmentally  friendly aquaculture, conserving marine  environments. Additionally, cultivating on land  using cultivated fry allows seafood production  without depleting marine resources, contributing to  resource conservation. Through these efforts, we  aim to give Okinawa's seas a rest and protect the  environment.

2. Creation of a new industry through micro  aquaculture**: By promoting micro aquaculture  that is accessible to anyone, anywhere, we will  create a new industry in the prefecture, including  capturing demand from inbound tourism.

3. Establishing sustainable, autonomous and  decentralised food production methods for  achieving the SDGs: By promoting sustainable  land-based aquaculture that complements existing  fishing and offshore aquaculture industries, we  can create a framework for autonomous,  decentralised food production. This effort will  contribute to improving food self-sufficiency rates  within the prefecture and across Japan.  Additionally, details about the introduction support  program for promoting ARK's "micro aquaculture"  in Okinawa Prefecture are as follows:

● Advice on developing a business plan for  entering the industry  

● Advisory on funding of the introduction of  aquaculture facilities (subsidies, loans,  

etc.)  

● Conducting on-site surveys for the  

installation and construction of  

aquaculture facilities  

● Providing information on materials  required for operations, such as fry  

● Offering expertise on cultivation methods

The two companies will contribute to the industrial  development and environmental conservation of  Okinawa through the promotion of land-based  aquaculture of tropical fish and shellfish and  further technological innovations.

*Southern Marine Species:  

Examples include Malabar grouper​ (Yaitohata),  Caulerpa lentillifera​ (sea grapes), etc.  

**Micro Aquaculture:  

A form of aquaculture operated with a small  capital, akin to microbreweries in beer brewing,  managed in a locally rooted manner. It aims to  produce distinctive marine products by focusing  on the quality of produce, production techniques,  and processing and distribution methods.

ARK Inc.  

ARK focuses on the mission of "decentralising  aquaculture" by offering a system where  aquaculture can be conducted anywhere by  anyone. We develop and sell small-scale,  decentralised Closed Recirculating Aquaculture  System (CRAS) known as the "ARK," which is a  land-based, closed-loop aquaculture system.  Unlike existing large-scale aquaculture systems,  this system allows starting decentralised  aquaculture with minimum investment and  operation costs. “ARK” is capable of operating off grid by utilising renewable energy, significantly  reducing energy costs and environmental impact.  In addition to these hardware solutions, ARK Inc.  also provides the remote management application  "STARBOARD BY ARK" essential for aquaculture  operations,

along with supplies, fry, and  aquaculture expertise.

Established: December 23, 2020  

Headquarters in Japan: 1-7-20, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku,  Tokyo  

Global Headquarters: ARK WORLDWIDE LTD., London, UK 　 

Shonan Plant: 4-15-13-1, Higashiyawata,  Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, Japan  

Hiratsuka Aquaculture Lab: 57-7, Sengokukashi,  Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, Japan  

Okinawa Sales Office: 1861 Uza, Yomitan Village,  Okinawa, Japan  

Company Website: https://ark.inc  

Contact: sales@ark.inc

Mirai Okinawa Co. Ltd.  

Established in June 2021 by Okinawa Bank, this  regional trading company aims to create new  value in Okinawa by connecting the region's  unique assets of people, goods, and services. We  support local businesses by expanding their sales  channels and offering consulting services. We also  focus on handling environmentally friendly  products and services, such as supporting the  introduction of clean energy like small-scale wind  power. Through these initiatives, we strive to  contribute to the development of a sustainable  local community in Okinawa.

Established: June 22, 2021  

Headquarters: Okinawa Innovation Lab, 3-10-1  Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan  

Company Website:  

https://www.big-advance.site/c/172/1471 　 

Contact:  

https://www.big-advance.site/c/172/1471/contact-1 

+81 098-860-0960