From Construction to Agriculture – Cultivating Wasabi Using the Power of Soil and Water
SK Frontier is an agricultural company established in 2012 by Shibuya Construction, a construction firm based in Itoigawa City, Niigata.
Driven by the idea, “As a construction company working with soil, why not start something new in agriculture and create a local specialty for Itoigawa?”, they took on the challenge of wasabi cultivation—something no one had attempted in the snowy region.
At the foot of Mt. Yakeyama, standing 2,400 meters above sea level, they developed an original, energy-efficient cultivation system inside a greenhouse using the area’s pure underground spring water.
The harvested wasabi is sold at an on-site store and is also processed into products like miso-pickled and soy sauce-pickled wasabi, powdered wasabi, and “Wasaccino” (cheese-infused wasabi).
Their sales network now extends to Toyosu Market and even overseas.
A One-of-a-Kind Pure Wasabi Powder Made from Premium Wasabi
Using a patented greenhouse cultivation system, SK Frontier grows the premium Mazuma Wasabi.
By delivering a precise amount of water to each plant 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the wasabi grows several times faster and larger than in traditional wasabi fields.
Unlike conventional wasabi, each plant forms a "cluster" that yields 5 to 10 rhizomes.
Thanks to this system, SK Frontier can produce large, high-quality Mazuma Wasabi year-round—and successfully developed the world’s first 100% pure wasabi powder, wabisabi.
Because wasabi’s signature aroma and pungency are highly sensitive to heat, the wasabi is slowly dried at low temperatures.
It is then micronized using a proprietary method that avoids friction heat, preventing cell damage.
Just add water to restore its fresh aroma, spiciness, subtle sweetness, and vivid color—wabisabi is a professional-grade seasoning that brings out the true essence of wasabi.
Premium Fish Farming and Community Revitalization
To make effective use of the large volumes of cold groundwater used in wasabi cultivation, SK Frontier launched a new aquaculture project to raise premium fish species such as sturgeon and Japanese huchen (ito).
Both are highly valued for their refined flavor and require clean, cold water—conditions perfectly met by Itoigawa’s underground streams.
The farm is steadily expanding, aiming for full-cycle aquaculture and caviar production.
In addition, the company actively engages in local revitalization through collaboration with Niigata Prefectural Marine High School.
Together, they co-developed a unique noodle product containing dried powdered kelp cultivated in the school’s classes, strengthening ties between industry and education in the region.
