Mikimoto’s contribution to pearl farming
September 20, 2022
Mikimoto Jewelry
Mikimoto is the foremost producer of the world’s finest quality cultured pearls and a premier designer of luxury pearl jewelry. Mikimoto’s exquisite jewelry is crafted from Akoya pearls and South Sea pearls in shades of black, white and gold, each of which is carefully cultured and hand-selected. Every piece of Mikimoto jewelry reflects timeless elegance, sophistication and distinctive style.
Mikimoto’s contribution to pearl farming
After successfully cultivating hemispherical pearls, Kokichi Mikimoto opened a research center on Dodd Island in 1902. Three years later, he conducted further research on globe-shaped pearls and successfully cultivated them. In 1930, the Japanese government designated Kokichi Mikimoto as one of Japan’s ten greatest inventors, and he opened Pearl Research Institute Co., Ltd. on Tatoku Island. Continuing Kokichi Mikimoto’s vision, the Mikimoto Pearl Research Laboratory in Mie Prefecture is now a comprehensive research institute that comprehensively investigates Mikimoto’s long-term pearl-related explorations. Its research topics are broad and include everything from pearl farming itself to quality-related research and the differentiation of individual pearls,
There is a long history of research into the habitats where Akoya pearl oysters are cultured, dating back to the beginnings of pearl farming, including the investigation of red tides that have devastating effects on the health of Akoya pearl oysters. We continue to conduct research, not only for Mikimoto’s own company, but for the pearl industry as a whole.
After successfully cultivating hemispherical pearls, Kokichi Mikimoto opened a research center on Dodd Island in 1902. Three years later, he conducted further research on globe-shaped pearls and successfully cultivated them. In 1930, the Japanese government designated Kokichi Mikimoto as one of Japan’s ten greatest inventors, and he opened Pearl Research Institute Co., Ltd. on Tatoku Island. Continuing Kokichi Mikimoto’s vision, the Mikimoto Pearl Research Laboratory in Mie Prefecture is now a comprehensive research institute that comprehensively investigates Mikimoto’s long-term pearl-related explorations. Its research topics are broad and include everything from pearl farming itself to quality-related research and the differentiation of individual pearls,
There is a long history of research into the habitats where Akoya pearl oysters are cultured, dating back to the beginnings of pearl farming, including the investigation of red tides that have devastating effects on the health of Akoya pearl oysters. We continue to conduct research, not only for Mikimoto’s own company, but for the pearl industry as a whole.
Water quality and environmental monitoring system, Kaiyu
In 2004, the Mikimoto Pearl Research Institute cooperated with the Tokyo Institute of Measuring Instruments to develop the world’s first organic-based water quality environmental monitoring system “Kai-Lingual”. It detects red tides, hypoxia and other ocean anomalies by analyzing shell movements in real time. This minimises the impact on fisheries, including oyster farms. It is expected that these smart technologies developed by Mikimoto to reduce the environmental footprint and impact on shellfish can be used to monitor not only coastal and marine ecosystems, but also inland water ecosystems. Mikimoto is doing his part to save Mikimoto’s pearl-growing oceans and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by harnessing the power of nature and technology.
In 2004, the Mikimoto Pearl Research Institute cooperated with the Tokyo Institute of Measuring Instruments to develop the world’s first organic-based water quality environmental monitoring system “Kai-Lingual”. It detects red tides, hypoxia and other ocean anomalies by analyzing shell movements in real time. This minimises the impact on fisheries, including oyster farms. It is expected that these smart technologies developed by Mikimoto to reduce the environmental footprint and impact on shellfish can be used to monitor not only coastal and marine ecosystems, but also inland water ecosystems. Mikimoto is doing his part to save Mikimoto’s pearl-growing oceans and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by harnessing the power of nature and technology.
WORKING FOR A BETTER FUTURE OF PEARL CULTURE
In 2000, local wild juvenile Akoya oysters (Pinctada fucata) were discovered on Aishima Island, Fukuoka Prefecture, in the Genkai Sea. Working with Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture and Shinmachi Town, Mikimoto established the first pelagic fishery in Japan to catch wild Akoya oysters. Since then, Mikimoto has worked to protect and restore wild oyster habitat and increase its population, while enhancing environmental well-being by developing and deploying zero-emission solutions for today’s pearl farming industry. Akoya pearls from Aishima are usually larger and have a thicker nacre that looks smooth and shiny.
In 2000, local wild juvenile Akoya oysters (Pinctada fucata) were discovered on Aishima Island, Fukuoka Prefecture, in the Genkai Sea. Working with Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture and Shinmachi Town, Mikimoto established the first pelagic fishery in Japan to catch wild Akoya oysters. Since then, Mikimoto has worked to protect and restore wild oyster habitat and increase its population, while enhancing environmental well-being by developing and deploying zero-emission solutions for today’s pearl farming industry. Akoya pearls from Aishima are usually larger and have a thicker nacre that looks smooth and shiny.