Redefining Food Preservation with Freezing Technology

From Refrigeration to Food Tech 

Kinoshita began his career as the third-generation successor in his grandfather's refrigeration manufacturing company. However, he quickly recognized the industry's reliance on outdated, analog methods that failed to meet modern demands for food distribution and quality. Determined to create change, Kinoshita turned to travel in search of fresh ideas.

"During a trip to Southeast Asia, I ate a fruit called mangosteen. It had an amazing freshness and inspired me to create a way to preserve and share the true taste of high-quality foods from around the world," Kinoshita explains. 

This experience drove Kinoshita to establish DayBreak in 2013. The company began by offering consulting services to help clients optimize the use of freezing technology. Building on this expertise, the company also began manufacturing, releasing the ARTLOCK Freezer in 2021. 

Connecting Innovation, Production, and Distribution

Commitment to preserving the integrity, freshness, and quality of food is the heart of DayBreak's mission. The company's ARTLOCK Freezer utilizes advanced freezing technology that prevents degradation in food by minimizing drying, oxidation, and discoloration. With this innovative technology, the company aims to empower both businesses and consumers to experience food as it was meant to be: fresh, flavorful, and uncompromised. To achieve this, DayBreak's business strategy rests on three key pillars: innovation, direct engagement, and distribution. 

The first pillar is innovation through the sale of the ARTLOCK Freezer, which DayBreak provides to food producers in Japan and abroad. "Through the sale of our machines, we empower businesses to adopt innovative freezing solutions and expand the number of producers," explains Kinoshita.

The second pillar emphasizes direct engagement with clients. Unlike most manufacturers, which rely heavily on distributors, DayBreak maintains direct communication with clients—an approach that accounts for the majority of its sales. This hands-on strategy allows the company to deeply understand user challenges, offer tailored solutions, and foster growth through consulting, community-building initiatives like the D-BREAK Family, and matchmaking services. "We've been directly communicating with our clients from testing to implementation," Kinoshita says. "This allows us to share valuable know-how, host study sessions, and even connect our clients with potential buyers, such as department stores or vendors."

The third pillar bridges the gap between producers and consumers through distribution. In Japan, DayBreak acts as an agent, delivering high-quality frozen products to restaurants and retailers. "Our mission is to deliver food that tastes as fresh as when it was made, ensuring that quality is never compromised at any stage—from freezing to distribution," Kinoshita emphasizes.

By integrating these three focus areas, DayBreak is transforming food preservation, creating a stronger connection between production and consumption while redefining industry standards.

Exhibiting Solutions in Japan and Abroad

Participating in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 offered DayBreak a vital opportunity to connect with a diverse network of stakeholders, both within Japan and internationally. Reflecting on the event, Kinoshita highlights its role in bringing together representatives from various industries and government agencies, creating a hub of innovation and collaboration.

"It wasn't just about Tokyo," Kinoshita shares. "The event attracted people from different prefectures and even other countries, all gathering in this central hub. It gave us a chance to connect with new people and explore ideas for innovative projects—like how we might expand our business globally with the support of national initiatives, or create partnerships that lead to new business ecosystems."

DayBreak has also exhibited its solutions abroad at the Japanese Food Expo 2024 in the United States. Visitors were astonished to learn that the high-quality sushi they sampled had been frozen. "Attendees were telling us, 'The sushi is really delicious,' and when we revealed it was frozen, they were stunned," Kinoshita recalls. People kept coming back for more, proving the universal appeal of the company's innovation.

These achievements add weight to DayBreak's global ambitions. "We're aiming to become a globally competitive Japanese company, and events like SusHi Tech Tokyo give us platforms to showcase how our technology fits into a global market," Kinoshita says. As DayBreak continues to build momentum on the international stage, its vision for the future focuses on making a lasting impact on both the frozen food industry and global sustainability.

Transforming the Future of Food Sustainability

Looking ahead, DayBreak aspires to redefine the food industry globally while addressing pressing social challenges. The company's vision extends beyond delivering high-quality frozen products—it encompasses creating sustainable solutions to food waste, workforce shortages, and environmental concerns.

"At DayBreak, we aim to build a business that not only generates economic value but also tackles societal issues," says Kinoshita. "By maintaining a balance between profitability and social impact, we believe we can create a ripple effect—enhancing local economies, preserving natural resources, and promoting smiles around the world through delicious, high-quality food."

With a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, DayBreak is determined to remain a trailblazer in the frozen food industry, setting a global standard for quality and responsibility.

Kinoshita Masayuki

Kinoshita Masayuki is the CEO of DayBreak a pioneer in food preservation using advanced freezing technology. In 2013, he founded DayBreak to address the challenge of preserving the freshness of ingredients while tackling food waste, and in 2021 he launched the ARTLOCK Freezer. Kinoshita's mission is to redefine food preservation and contribute to a sustainable food future, using innovative technology to create high-quality, long-lasting food solutions.

SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is a Tokyo-based concept that aims to create sustainable new value by overcoming global urban challenges through cutting-edge technology, diverse ideas, and digital expertise.
SusHi Tech Tokyo | Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo