Mr. Shuichi Hara
General Manager
Takano Foods Co., Ltd., Tohoku Branch

Natto (fermented soybeans) is a familiar cooking ingredient in Japanese lifestyle. Throughout the years, we have steadily put our effort into its production and distribution. Since the founding of the company, we have established factories and distribution centers in different parts of Japan in order to implement the provision of wholesome, delicious and even inexpensive goods under the catchphrase: “This is so delicious it will put a smile on your face”.

With headquarters located in the Kanto region, we narrowed our choice down to Miyagi Prefecture in an attempt to meet the demands of the Kanto and Tohoku regions, and considered several site locations in Miyagi Prefecture.

Easy access in the distribution of goods, including delivery, and large amounts of high-quality water supply, an essential ingredient in natto production, were decisive factors. Good access is essential for delivering our high quality product to customers reliably and as quickly as possible. In terms of water also, 60 kg of soya beans (the raw material) requires about 1 ton in volume of water.  With its closeness to the highway interchange and abundant underground water resources, we came to the conclusion that Kami Town was perfectly suited to our demands.

In addition, we were impressed by the enthusiastic response from Miyagi Prefecture and Kami Town. Takano Foods has been expending all over the country during our many years of experience in this field and we feel that locating in Miyagi has been the smoothest.

Even after locating, local authorities were very cooperative in various areas, including personnel recruitment. We are grateful to them for holding us in great consideration. Employee retention rate is high and they work seriously and diligently. Each person makes earnest efforts at acquiring technical skills.

Now that natto has been reaffirmed as a health food product, we are thinking about expanding the Tohoku factory in the future.