* Do not clean the Aluminum Torobako for Squid with chlorine-based bleach (such as Haiter) or oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean), as these can cause discoloration (corrosion). When washing, please use a neutral dish detergent.

Reservations, Orders, and Inquiries

Purchases are handled exclusively through our own direct sales channels (mail order and Direct Shop).

Please note that this product cannot be purchased at fishing tackle shops.

To check stock availability or place an order, please use our [mail order site].

Why "Aluminum"?

As noted above, the drawbacks of wooden torobako are "odor," "hygiene," "ink stains," "cooling performance," and "durability."

By using aluminum as the material, all of these drawbacks were eliminated.

Naturally, aluminum is a metal, and a material that resists absorbing odors.

Since ink does not soak into the material easily, ink stains come off quickly just like washing dishes, with a sponge and neutral dish detergent.

Wood gradually corrodes, but aluminum can be used almost indefinitely as long as salt and dirt are thoroughly removed. And the greatest advantage of aluminum is its "high thermal conductivity."

High Thermal Conductivity

While developing the torobako with various materials, we believed that for "cooling performance," a shape with many holes to let cold air circulate throughout was an absolute requirement.

However, even with plenty of loose ice packed into the bottom of the cooler, testing revealed that once a certain amount of squid was placed in the first-tier torobako, it blocked the cold air, making it hard for cold air to reach the second and third tiers. Furthermore, every time the cooler is opened and closed, the cold air inside escapes.

In that context, what caught our attention was aluminum's high thermal conductivity. "Aluminum's thermal conductivity is 236 (unit: W/m·K)." The thermal conductivity of the materials we tested during development was:

"Wood 0.15–0.25," "Stainless steel 16.7–20.9," "Acrylic 0.17–0.25," "Plastic 0.1–0.5" — clearly showing that aluminum's thermal conductivity is far higher.

If you look at the image you can clearly see the high thermal conductivity, and this is precisely because it is "all aluminum." Inserting any material other than aluminum between the torobako significantly reduces thermal conduction.

For the reasons above, the idea of "cooling with the torobako itself, rather than with the cold air inside the cooler" led to the final decision on material and shape.

Why the Internal Height is 50 mm

It handles a wide variety of squid — swordtip squid (kensaki-ika, also called maika), the main target of boat squid fishing, as well as bigfin reef squid (aori-ika), spear squid (yari-ika), and cuttlefish (kou-ika).

We ultimately set the internal height to 50 mm and recommend using three tiers in most cooler boxes; this is a height that can accommodate even large 2 kg-class bigfin reef squid.

If the torobako height were reduced to around 30 mm for spear squid or swordtip squid, five or six tiers could fit, but considering how often all tiers are actually used and the cost, we believe about three tiers is optimal. If you catch a lot, it is no problem to load them so the squid slightly overlap.

Not only squid, but also fish such as horse mackerel (aji) and mackerel (saba) can be arranged neatly and carried home without overlapping.

After bleeding and nerve-pithing, arrange the catch in the torobako and pour seawater over it from above to rinse off blood and dirt, then store it in the cooler box. It handles various squid and can be used for fish as well.

Putting Safety First

Because it carries squid intended for raw consumption, safety and hygiene must be considered above all else.

Under Article 16 of the Food Sanitation Act, "utensils, containers, and packaging that contain harmful substances and may impair human health must not be manufactured, imported, or used in business." Utensils, containers, and packaging that come into direct contact with food are strictly regulated by laws in Japan and abroad, so appropriate quality control through proper hygiene testing is required.

Naturally, this torobako should also be regarded as a utensil/container that holds food, and KeyStone produces it in a controlled factory within Japan and has it undergo Food Sanitation Act conformity testing at an inspection agency approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Certificate of Food Sanitation Act Conformity Testing

With growing awareness of food safety in recent years, we will continue to keep quality control and hygiene in mind in our production, so that you can use the torobako safely and with peace of mind.

The Importance of Food Sanitation Act Conformity Testing

Aluminum is said to resist bacterial growth, and many items that have indirect food contact — beverage cans, pots, tableware, and school-lunch supplies — are made of aluminum.

However, year by year, cheap but high-risk products such as recycled aluminum and overseas-made goods are increasingly appearing on the market, making proper quality and hygiene management ever more important. As noted above, KeyStone's torobako is inspected at an inspection agency approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to determine whether it is a product that conforms to the Food Sanitation Act.

　Aluminum food-transport containers and packaging used in Japan are required to satisfy "aluminum alloy" + "anodizing (alumite) treatment" + "passing Food Sanitation Act conformity testing." 　With all of this in mind, KeyStone's Aluminum Torobako for Squid is made.

Few Protrusions, Rounded Corners

One thing to watch out for with a torobako used inside a cooler is that the torobako can shift during transport. The rocking of the boat, the shaking inside the car on the way home. Measures are needed to keep the torobako from moving, because otherwise it can damage the inside of the cooler box.

That is why KeyStone's torobako is designed and made with a shape that has no protrusions on the outside and corners molded to be rounded. Through testing and development under various conditions before release, we also took into account the necessary condition of "damaging the cooler box as little as possible."

Also, out of a desire for you to use it for many years, the corner fasteners are welded. Welding aluminum is an extremely difficult technique, but considering corrosion caused by salt penetrating gaps, and other issues, we apply welding.

Aluminum Cut Edges

When manufacturing this kind of product from aluminum, the cut edges become extremely sharp. These are the so-called "burrs" on the cut edges, and leaving them completely untreated would be very dangerous. Moreover, if a burr flakes off, an aluminum fragment could end up on the squid. For this reason, KeyStone's Aluminum Torobako for Squid treats deburring as a "very important process," spending more time on deburring than on any other molding step.

Because it is a container that holds squid intended for raw consumption, conforming to the Food Sanitation Act is essential as noted above, and we also consider the safety of the aluminum cut edges so that you will not injure yourself during fishing, or when washing and storing it after returning home.

The Developer Talks: Development Stories and Correct Use

How to Use, and Precautions

(1) Pack loose ice across the bottom of the cooler.

(2) On top of that, place 1 to 3 tiers of aluminum torobako and arrange the squid.

(3) Periodically drain the water from melted ice so it does not seep into the torobako.

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• Aluminum is vulnerable to moisture, oil, acids, and salt, so after use please wash it with a neutral dish detergent.
• The surface scratches easily, so please wash it with a soft sponge or similar.
• Also, since moisture causes stains, please wipe it dry with a soft cloth or similar after washing.

• The aluminum torobako does not guarantee the preservation of freshness.
• The freshness of perishables varies depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity.
• Please always keep the contents chilled with ice and take responsibility for maintaining freshness yourself.

• The aluminum torobako is designed to be very sturdy, however,
• applying strong stress or impact — such as dropping it, hitting it, or placing heavy objects on it — may cause damage.

• Store it in a place with little humidity, out of direct sunlight, and keep it from coming into direct contact with other metal products.

• Excessive shaking inside the cooler box can cause damage to the cooler box.
• When using it, take measures to prevent it from sliding inside the cooler box.

SS Size Details and Compatible Coolers List

Size: Depth 190 mm × Width 400 mm × Height 55 mm

Weight: 650 g (weight of one tier)

SS Size Compatible Coolers

• Shimano Spa-za 25L (internal: 220 mm × 500 mm × 230 mm)
• Shimano Spa-za 24L (internal: 202 mm × 502 mm × 225 mm)
• Shimano Infix 27L (internal: 220 mm × 450 mm × 280 mm)
• Shimano Fixcel 30L (internal: 259 mm × 459 mm × 260 mm)
• Daiwa Provisor 27L (internal: 250 mm × 430 mm × 250 mm)
• Daiwa Cool Line 25L (internal: 220 mm × 430 mm × 255 mm)
• Daiwa Light Trunk 20L (internal: 220 mm × 445 mm × 210 mm)
• Daiwa Light Trunk 30L (internal: 230 mm × 525 mm × 245 mm)
• Daiwa DAIWA RX 32L (internal: 240 mm × 430 mm × 305 mm)

S Size Details and Compatible Coolers List

Size: Depth 230 mm × Width 510 mm × Height 55 mm

Weight: 860 g (weight of one tier)

S Size Compatible Coolers

• Shimano Spa-za Limited 35L (internal: 260 mm × 600 mm × 230 mm)
• Shimano Spa-za Series 35L (internal: 262 mm × 604 mm × 220 mm)
• Daiwa Provisor Trunk 35L (internal: 240 mm × 550 mm × 250 mm)
• Daiwa NS Trunk Taisho 35L (internal: 240 mm × 520 mm × 240 mm)
• Daiwa NS Trunk Taisho 43L (internal: 240 mm × 660 mm × 240 mm)
• igloo MaxCold 50QT (internal: 265 mm × 520 × 290 mm)
• igloo Marine Ultra 54QT (internal: 300 mm × 565 mm × 290 mm)

* Regarding the igloo cooler 54QT, three tiers of the M size can be used, but due to interference with the internal drain plug and slight interference with the lid latch, we recommend the S size.

M Size Details and Compatible Coolers List

Size: Depth 280 mm × Width 550 mm × Height 55 mm

Weight: 1040 g (weight of one tier)

M Size Compatible Coolers

• Daiwa Trunk Taisho 40L (internal: 285 mm × 595 mm × 230 mm)
• igloo Marine Ultra 72QT (internal: 290 mm × 600 mm × 330 mm)
• igloo MaxCold 70QT (internal: 290 mm × 590 mm × 300 mm)
• igloo MaxCold Wheel 60QT (internal: 395 mm × 710 mm × 440 mm)

ML Size Details and Compatible Coolers List

Size: Depth 260 mm × Width 630 mm × Height 55 mm

Weight: 1100 g (weight of one tier)

ML Size Compatible Coolers

• Shimano Spa-za Whale 45L (internal: 280 mm × 700 mm × 230 mm)
• Daiwa Trunk Master 48L (internal: 270 mm × 750 mm × 230 mm)

L Size Details and Compatible Coolers List

Size: Depth 280 mm × Width 710 mm × Height 55 mm

Weight: 1280 g (weight of one tier)

L Size Compatible Coolers

• Shimano Spa-za Whale 60L (internal: 310 mm × 800 mm × 240 mm)
• Daiwa Trunk Master 60L (internal: 290 mm × 850 mm × 235 mm)
• Daiwa Big Trunk 80L (internal: 325 mm × 795 mm × 270 mm)
• Daiwa Trunk Taisho 50L (internal: 285 mm × 730 mm × 230 mm)
• igloo Marine Ultra 94QT (internal: 280 mm × 730 mm × 350 mm)
• Other large coolers

Multi Plate

For SS size: (weight: 410 g)

For S size: (weight: 600 g)

For M size: (weight: 760 g)

For ML size: (weight: 850 g)

For L size: (weight: 1000 g)

A Multi Plate sized to match each size of the Aluminum Torobako for Squid.

It serves two roles: "lid" and "raised base." Used as a lid, it keeps cold air from escaping, cooling the squid more efficiently. You can also place food, drinks, ice packs, and the like on top of the Multi Plate.

Set the Multi Plate at the very bottom of the torobako to use it as a raised base. It prevents the backflow of melted ice water, and although a torobako full of squid becomes quite heavy, it also suppresses ice from melting under that pressure.

・[Fishing industry professional] I used it for storing fresh products. The difference in coloration at landing between using it and not using it was striking, and I was able to grasp the effectiveness of this tray. Fishermen clearly recognize the difference as well.

・[General customer] I bought two of your aluminum torobako (35 L) boxes, and they work wonderfully — I rely on them.

・[General customer] I am satisfied with this high-quality product.

・[General customer] It is sturdy and easy to use, and I am very pleased with it.

・[General customer] Honestly, I thought the price was a little high, but when I saw the product that arrived, I understood. You can see the ingenuity and fine workmanship.

・[General customer] The aluminum torobako cools so well! It is only natural, since I had been using wood until now — I feel I made a good purchase.

・[General customer] Freshness is kept far better than with the wooden torobako I made by hand, and I am extremely satisfied. Thank you so much.

・[General customer] The torobako is wonderful! Even after getting home, the squid have not turned red!

・[General customer] With the torobako I made myself, I struggled quite a bit with odor and hygiene, but I have truly found the ideal product!

・[General customer] The freshness after getting home is better than ever! Squid arranged neatly makes me feel like a fisherman. The freshness of the upper tier is GOOD too.

・[General customer] The torobako on the upper tier was very cold too. Even when I got home, the squid were in good condition. You really do make excellent products.

・[General customer] The texture is different. I had used aluminum torobako from other companies too, but in both texture and craftsmanship, I think this is the best.

・[General customer] I am glad I bought it — the cooling power and the condition of the squid are perfect! Now I want the lid too.

・[General customer] I can arrange and chill the squid without stacking them, and enjoy them deliciously after getting home. I use it not only for squid but also for horse mackerel and largehead hairtail.

・[General customer] I used to carry them home in Ziploc bags, but they would inevitably turn white. Using the aluminum torobako, they can be carried home neatly without turning white. And there is no hassle of putting them in Ziploc bags. Now that the lid is in production, I will buy one.

・[General customer] I carried the squid I caught home without losing freshness and handed them out to all my neighbors, and everyone was very surprised at how well the squid retained their brown pigment. The aluminum torobako has become an inseparable tool for squid fishing. The other people on the boat were watching with great interest too. I am grateful that you developed such a fine product.

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