Our Uni Story

Hello, from Hokkaido!

Thank you so much for stopping by our website! My name is Tad Kumagai, the founder of Hokkaido Uni Shop. For those who you are in the first time, you might be wondering what makes our products and services different from others offering similar options, so allow me to share how this journey began. It might be a little wordy, but I’ll do my best to share this story as clearly as I can.

What sets us apart is simple: we bring the Uni from our hometown directly to you. That’s our mission.

This Uni in this picture right here is called "Yoneta" Bara Uni from Rishiri Island - my hometown and this is type of quality we are committed to offer to all Uni lovers around the globe. 

This is the hallmark of Hokkaido Uni's quality—just look at how stunning it is!

To be honest, I never thought I’d end up in the Uni business. Growing up in Hokkaido, I was surrounded by incredible seafood, including Uni, but it was just a normal part of everyday life. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. that I realized how much people love Uni—especially the Uni from my hometown in Hokkaido. Seeing that enthusiasm really resonated with me.

These picture below are what I saw at the party I was invited to—Uni was the centerpiece of the main dish, transforming the home gathering into an elevated dining experience. It truly felt like Hokkaido Uni was served to make the occasion special on that night.

Then I rememberd that many of my friends back home in Hokkaido working in the seafood industry including Uni - harvesting, processing, and distributing Uni and It got me thinking.. what if I could connect the amazing Uni from Hokkaido directly to people all over the world who share the same passion for it? That’s when the idea for Hokkaido Uni Shop was born.

Today, with the help of modern technology and logistics, it’s easier than ever to cut out unnecessary steps and deliver fresh Uni straight to your table. My goal has always been to make the process as simple and efficient as possible, ensuring you can enjoy Uni that’s just as fresh and delicious as if you were right here in Hokkaido.

The Commitment Behind Hokkaido Uni

I also want to share our commitment to delivering the finest Hokkaido Uni. Sourcing and preparation are crucial elements of our business. The process begins with experienced harvesters, often local fishermen, who head out early in the morning to carefully collect Uni by hand or using specialized tools. It’s not an easy job—at times, it even involves risking their lives. I want our customers to know the dedication and hard work these harvesters put into bringing such exceptional Uni to your table.

In Hokkaido, the pristine waters and natural environment create the perfect conditions for producing some of the world's finest Uni.
Harvesting Uni is a delicate and time-honored process that requires skill, patience, and a deep connection to the sea
Once harvested, all natural Uni are carefully handled to extract the Uni, which is then cleaned, sorted, and packed. Each step is done with precision to maintain its freshness, texture, and flavor, delivering Uni that embodies the essence of Hokkaido's rich ocean heritage.
It’s dedication to craftsmanship and respect for nature that makes Hokkaido Uni truly exceptional.

Over the years, we have shipped more than 5000 tyras of Uni to our cutomers globally. 

Rishiri Uni and the Drive Behind My Vision 

One part of Hokkaido that’s especially close to my heart is Rishiri, the northernmost region where I grew up. Many of my childhood friends are now Uni harvesters, and their dedication and hard work inspire me every day.

If you’ve seen the video, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of our effort and passion that goes into bringing this amazing product to life and why Rishiri Uni is the best (we're working on English subtitles) 

From very humble beginnings, and thanks to our customers and those who share in the vision I hold, our business has continued to grow. We’ve expanded beyond Hokkaido, establishing distribution locations in places like New York and Geneva.

 

We’re also excited to offer a broader range of Japanese products, all built on the same concept—connecting local producers of authentic, premium items directly with consumers worldwide. With increasing demand from across the globe, our dedication to authenticity and transparency remains at the heart of everything we do

Sharing A Piece of Hokkaido with You 

For me, this business is about so much more than just selling Uni—it’s about sharing a piece of Hokkaido with you. I want you to experience the same authentic flavors and exceptional quality that make Hokkaido so special. Whether it’s Uni or other premium Japanese products, my goal is to make it feel like you’re right here with us, enjoying the best of what Hokkaido has to offer.

 
Thank you for being a part of this journey. I’m so excited to bring a little bit of my hometown to your table.

宜しくお願いします！

Best regards,
Tad Kumagai