About the Umino Megumi Fee
A Commitment to Protecting the Future of the Sea
In our conversations with local fishermen around Japan, we came face to face with a quiet but undeniable truth: the ocean is changing.
As avid divers, we’ve witnessed firsthand how fish populations are declining, how coral reefs are bleaching and dying from warming seas, and how familiar marine life is disappearing from places that once teemed with life.
In our hometown of Kozushima, the shores were once lined with tengusa seaweed, the ingredient used to make tokoroten jelly. Today, it is rarely found. Spiny lobsters, once abundant, have nearly vanished.
With every dive, the changing seascape reminds us: if we do nothing, the future will no longer taste the same. The future of sushi is at risk.
This is why we’ve made a decision. As a sushi restaurant that depends on the blessings of the sea, we will act.
The first step is the introduction of the Umino Megumi Fee—a small but meaningful initiative to support marine conservation.
Umino Megumi Fee?
The Umino Megumi Fee is a sustainability support contribution, uniquely established by our restaurant to help fund marine environmental conservation efforts.
A fee of 500 yen (tax included) per guest is already incorporated into the price of every course.
We responsibly allocate this amount to initiatives that protect the health of the ocean.
Note: The base fee is 454 yen, and the consumption tax is covered by us. There is no additional charge for our guests.
Why Now?
Delicious seafood can only exist atop a healthy and thriving marine ecosystem.
But today, that ecosystem is under serious threat.
Kelp forests are disappearing, a phenomenon known as "isoyake" in Japan, leading to the loss of habitats for sea creatures such as sea urchins and abalone.
There is also the growing concern that we humans may be taking too many fish from the sea.
Recently, dolphins have been observed hunting desperately near the shore—a possible sign that prey is becoming scarce in the ocean.
That’s why we are now turning our attention to sustainable fishing practices.
One such example is the traditional fixed-net fishing (teichi-ami) that has been practiced for over 300 years in Himi City, Toyama Prefecture.
This method, which involves waiting for fish to naturally enter the nets, is known for being environmentally conscious and gentle on marine ecosystems.
Efforts are also being made to better protect marine resources:
Understanding spawning seasons, avoiding the harvest of fish carrying eggs, and returning undersized fish to the sea are just some of the practices being embraced.
By exploring new ways of fishing and working closely with fishermen,
we are not only protecting the ocean, but also preserving the future of our food culture.
Of course, setting limits on fishing also means a need to support the livelihoods of fishermen—a vital step in sustaining Japan’s primary industries.
Through contributions and collaboration, we hope to create a future where the ocean, fisheries, and we—the consumers—all thrive together.
Even we, as eaters, have a role to play.
If we want to enjoy delicious sushi in the future, then now is the time to protect the sea that makes it possible.
Furthermore, marine vegetation such as seaweed plays a key role in absorbing CO₂—known as blue carbon.
Blue carbon ecosystems are said to absorb about 2.4 times more CO₂ than forests, making ocean conservation a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
(Learn more: Ministry of the Environment – Blue Carbon)
Optional Donations
If you would like to offer additional support, we invite you to make an optional donation when making your reservation.
Donation AmountThank You Gesture
5,000 yen : A small pour of sake, offered with gratitude (upon request)
10,000 yen : Occasional early access to future reservation slots (not guaranteed)
50,000 yen : May be offered a special seat by the chef on a future visit (not guaranteed)
Please note : these are not guaranteed benefits or services in exchange for donations, but symbolic gestures of appreciation.
How Donations Are Used
Your donations directly support organizations and initiatives such as:
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Kesarumaru Fisheries in Karatsu, Saga, restoring seaweed beds for over 20 years
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"Utsukushii Toyama Bay Club," working to preserve Toyama Bay
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Marine litter cleanup efforts and sustainable fisheries
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Ocean education programs for future generations
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Projects promoting blue carbon through the protection of marine vegetation
In 2024, Sushi Shunji donated 300,000 yen to support Kesarumaru’s ongoing work.
We are committed to transparency and will periodically share updates on how your support is being used.
Contact
If you have questions about the Umino Megumi Fee or are interested in supporting these efforts as an individual or organization, please contact us.
A single act of care can shape the future of the sea.
Thank you for joining us in this journey.
Sushi Shunji
Shunji & Ayako Hashiba