Why do we use 100% Japan-grown soybeans?
And why do we continually strive to increase the percentage of organic soybeans used in our products?
In December 2013, “ Japanese food: Japanese traditional food culture ” was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for these specific reasons:
This honor, which has gained world-wide attention, is a great source of pride for the Japanese people,
The end products made from MAMETARO soybeans and Yamaki Jozo group are soy sauce, miso, and tofu. All of these products have been familiar to Japanese dining tables for a long time, and it would be no exaggeration to say they are essential elements of Japanese cuisine.
Soy sauce, miso, and tofu are all made from soybeans, so in a sense, soybeans support the foundation of Japanese food.
Keeping this in mind, ask yourself:
“ What percentage of soybeans currently used in Japan are domestic soybeans? ”
The answer is “about 6%” In other words, about 94% of soybeans used in Japan are imported soybeans. Balanced against the fact that Japanese food is registered as an intangible cultural heritage, such a heavy reliance on foreign countries for this elemental agricultural crop is unthinkable.
“ Why is the percentage of Japan-grown soybeans so small? ”
One reason is that soybeans are a land-use crop whose production efficiency increases the larger the piece of land. Moreover, soybean yield is about 1/3 lower than rice, so yields per field are small.
Japanese food culture has been historically defined by the four seasons, In Japan, there is a clear delineation between the seasons and Japanese foodways have uniquely evolved from that concept and phenomenon.
Japanese food culture is irrevocably tied to and nurtured by the rich nature of Japan.
With appreciation for the blessings of nature, YAMAKI JOZO has been very particular about using 100% Japan-grown soybeans and has continued to focus on organically cultivated soybeans to promote protection and conservation of the environment.
YAMAKI JOZO will continue to faithfully adhere to this dedication to preserving the rich nature of Japan and to strive to make products which allow customers to feel the deep blessings of nature.