TOKYO, Nov. 21 — Japan-made cheeses are gaining increasing global attention, with the number of medals won by such cheeses at the annual World Cheese Awards, the largest international cheese competition, increasing by 50 percent compared with five years ago. They are highly evaluated for their good appearance and rich milk flavor. A total of 4,786 cheeses from 47 countries entered this year’s contest, and they were assessed on factors such as the appearance, mouthfeel and flavor. Fifty-four cheeses were entered from Japan and a cheese made using Hokkaido milk was chosen among the 100 Super Gold award-winning cheeses. Aside from the Super Gold, 20 other Japanese cheeses won a … Continue reading →

SAITAMA, Nov. 17 – Producers of potted Princettia in Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture, are in the busiest season of the year to cater to the needs of people looking for gifts for Japan’s “Good  Day” or a must-have Christmas decoration. A greenhouse at a flower farm in Honjo, Shiobara Kaen, is filled with the colorful Princettia flowers. The flower farm owner, Shigeo Shiobara, grows five varieties, including the most popular Princettia Pure White and Princettia Hot Pink of eye-catching bright colors. Princettia is a new breed of Poinsettia, is heat tolerant, and has a gorgeous appearance. Its floral symbolism is “compassion,” and that makes it a perfect gift item. Shiobara’s … Continue reading →

AOMORI, No. 15 — JA Tsugaru Hirosaki, an agricultural cooperative in Aomori Prefecture, will sell apples in a gift box with globally popular virtual singer Hatsune Miku printed on it. It is the first time for a farm coop in Japan to collaborate with Hatsune Miku, and JA Tsugaru Hirosaki hopes the move will help boost consumption of apples among younger generations. The gift box comes with a photograph-like illustration of Hatsune Miku holding an apple and smiling against a backdrop of an apple orchard and Mount Iwaki, a mountain located in Aomori Prefecture. The farm coop’s online shopping website started accepting pre-orders on Nov. 15 for the gift box … Continue reading →

KUMAMOTO, Nov. 7 – Kumamoto Chikusan Ryutsu Center Co., Ltd. has set up a “JA Niku Gacha” vending machine at the you+you Kumamoto Agricultural and Livestock Market run by a local agricultural cooperative in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, JA Kumamoto Economic Federation. It offers the thrill of randomly winning a super-premium prize to stimulate meat consumption, which has recently been hovering at low levels. The machine sells beef and pork only from Kumamoto Prefecture for prices varying from 1,000 to 2,000 yen. You’ll have a chance to win a premium prize with an “Atari (Bingo)” sticker worth double the cost you paid for, such as Kumamoto Kuroge Wagyu “Wao” premium … Continue reading →