Sanfuku Suisan, located in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, produces over 1,000 tons of dried bonito flakes annually. Normally, the factory operates with a staff of around 30, but currently, there are no people in the factory.
Sanfuku Suisan’s representative, Moritaka Sanfuku, said, “It’s eerily quiet because we’re closed. We’re closed for nine days.” He added, “The price of bonito has soared, especially since April.”
The rising fuel costs for fishing boats, due to the situation in the Middle East, have been passed on to the price of bonito, the raw material, causing hardship for the industry. For three days starting on the 7th, more than 20 companies in the local cooperative have closed to adjust production.
Tateyama Shoten’s representative, Takayuki Tateyama, said, “Passing on the price (to our products) is extremely difficult. If we could receive compensation or reimbursement, we could manufacture with a little more peace of mind.” The cooperative plans to submit a request to the government next week, seeking subsidies and financial support. (From the May 8, 2026 broadcast) [TV Asahi NEWS]
