Key Facts
• Katsurao Village, affected by the nuclear disaster, began shrimp farming 4 years ago.
• The first shipment of approximately 4,000 whiteleg shrimp was made on June 24, 2025.
• The shrimp are raised in 11 pools with 200 cubic meters of water at 27°C.
• Whiteleg shrimp grow to 15 cm in 3-4 months, faster than black tiger shrimp.
• Challenges include maintaining water temperature during freezing winters.
• The farming project is led by HANERU Katsurao, founded by Noriyuki Matsunobu.
• Katsurao’s population is now one-third of its pre-disaster level.
• The village aims to ship 200,000 shrimp annually in the future.
• A seven-course meal featuring the shrimp was served to local officials.
• The project aims to revitalize the village and create a new local specialty.
Summary
Katsurao Village in Fukushima, once evacuated due to the nuclear disaster, has taken a significant step toward recovery by launching its first shipment of land-farmed whiteleg shrimp. Operated by HANERU Katsurao, the project uses advanced aquaculture techniques to raise shrimp in artificial seawater pools. Despite challenges like freezing winters, the team successfully produced 4,000 shrimp for their initial shipment and plans to scale up to 200,000 annually. The shrimp, known for their rapid growth, were celebrated in a special seven-course meal, symbolizing hope and revitalization for the village. This initiative not only introduces a new local specialty but also aims to attract residents and businesses back to the area.
