Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association 20th Anniversary Celebration 2025 - With gratitude for the enormous power of the tiny Kurosengoku, which can be considered a microcosm!

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

A celebration to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative was held at Sunflower Park Kitaryu Onsen from 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

20th Anniversary Celebration of Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association

A total of 63 people, including Kurosengoku producers, traders, and other related parties from all over Hokkaido, Aomori, and Tochigi prefectures, looked back on the 20-year history of the product and shared their great gratitude and excitement with everyone.

Moderator: Mitsue Kimura (Miyan)

The event was hosted by Kimura Mitsue (nickname: Mi-yan).
Mi-yan is in charge of the food corner "DJ Dosanko Food Hunter" on HBC Radio. She is active all over Hokkaido as a Hokkaido food master, cooking instructor, and rural cuisine researcher!

Miiyan and Kurosengoku first met over 10 years ago!

As expected, Mi-yan was a brilliant host, smoothly managing the event and livening it up with interviews with the participants along the way.

This time, in addition to hosting the event, he also produced the Kurosengoku soybean course meal.

Hokuryu Town Portal

Ms. Mitsue Kimura "Deco-makizushi for Setsubun" Redeath School Cooking Class (Hokuryu Town Board of Education)

Monday, February 3, 2020 On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, from 11:00 a.m., at the Hokuryu-cho Community Center Cooking Room, a Redeath School Cooking Class (...

Commemorative photo before the opening

Opening remarks: Masaaki Tsuji, Executive Director

Executive Director Masaaki Tsuji gave the opening address at the 20th Anniversary Ceremony.

Award presented by the Hokkaido Federation of Small Business Associations

The certificate was presented by Kenichi Taguchi, Section Chief of the Hokkaido Federation of Small Business Associations (read by Chairman Hideki Takahashi).

Excellent Association Award: Kurosengoku Business Association

The certificates were presented in recognition of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative's contributions to strengthening unity among its members and the organization, as well as to the development of its business.

Union Merit Award: Yukio Takada, Hiroki Matsumoto, Katsuhiro Nagai, Kazuo Kimura, Masaaki Tsuji, Hiroaki Ito

Hiroki Matsumoto accepted the award on behalf of the six award recipients.

Greetings from Chairman Yukio Takada

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you all. Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye, and it is thanks to all of you that we have come to this day. Looking at the faces of all who participated, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.

We would also like to thank today's host, Mi-yan, or Kimura Mitsue, for her wisdom and assistance in creating today's Kurosengoku series menu.

The fact that we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association today is thanks to the powerful words of the late former chairman, Nobuo Murai, who said, "Grow beans that people will eat and buy," and to the fact that we have been able to produce Kurosengoku soybeans together with everyone for the past 20 years. I would like to express my sincere gratitude. Thank you very much.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Professor Sanbuichi for his many years of hard work in improving varieties.

Furthermore, we are truly grateful to our wholesalers, Azuma Foods' natto, and other processors' tea and soybean flour, who have provided us with products that consumers find delicious and enjoyable, allowing us to continue for 20 years.

The most memorable experience so far has been when we were selected as an example of excellence at the 5th Discover Treasures of Rural Areas event hosted by the Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2018.

The ceremony to award the certificate was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, and I will never forget the photo I took with then Prime Minister Abe and the handshake I had with him during the exchange and banquet. I can still picture the warmth of his hand.

As for the future, the baked goods offered as souvenirs today are made with Nanatsuboshi rice flour from Hokuryu Town and Kurosengoku bean paste. Originally, they were meant to be sunflower-shaped, but they didn't have enough time, so they ended up being heart-shaped. They are scheduled to be sold from a food truck in the future. In addition, a new product called "Kinakobushi Furikake" has been released in collaboration with Togashi Masao Shoten Co., Ltd.

We will continue to make efforts in the future, relying on your wisdom and input, so we appreciate your continued support.

"Finally, I would like to wish all of you in attendance good health and happiness. Thank you very much," said Chairman Takada.

Congratulations

Yasuhiro Sasaki, Mayor, Hokuryu Town

"Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association today.

Just now, President Takada expressed his gratitude to all those involved in building the organization over the past 20 years. In the history of these 20 years, the first 10 years, which marked the founding period, were led by former President Murai Nobuo, and the following 10 years up to the present have been the decade in which the organization has blossomed greatly under President Takada.

The Kurosengoku Business Cooperative has received various awards and high praise from throughout Japan, including being selected as an excellent example of an excellent organization out of 32 organizations nationwide at the 5th Discover Rural Treasures Awards.

Hokuryu Town prides itself on being the number one town in Japan for producing safe, reliable, high-quality rice. Kurosengoku soybeans are the continuation of Hokuryu's tradition of safe, reliable agriculture, and I think it is extremely difficult to turn them into a business and put manufacturing into practice. Manufacturing plays a very large role in Hokuryu Town, and in that sense, the Kurosengoku business has made a great contribution to the town.

Chairman Takada is also the chairman of the Hokuryu Town Himawari Tourism Association, and we would like to express our gratitude for his efforts in promoting tourism in Hokuryu Town.

I hope that you will aim to be a 30, 40, 50, and even 100-year-old company. I believe that your two sons will be a great force in continuing the business in the future. I sincerely hope that the continuation of the business by young people will create great value for the future.

Hokuryu Town will also support and encourage you to the best of our ability, so we appreciate your continued support.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association. Congratulations!" said Mayor Sasaki.

Masahiro Kadono, General Manager, Purchasing Department, Azuma Foods Co., Ltd.

"Today marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association, so I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations.

Our company, Azuma Foods, is headquartered in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. We will celebrate our 75th anniversary this August. We have been making only natto since our founding and sell it nationwide, from Hokkaido to Kyushu and Okinawa.

Azuma Foods and Kurosengoku first encountered each other in 1997. The president wanted to make black bean natto taste even better, and especially wanted small black beans, so the project with Kurosengoku soybeans began the following year in 1998. I joined Azuma Foods in 1997 and have been working with Kurosengoku soybeans ever since.

At first, it was very difficult and risky to cultivate Kurosengoku soybeans in Hokkaido, as it was subject to weather conditions such as snowfall. However, after overcoming various difficulties, the yield increased, and in 2004, Kurosengoku natto was sold for the first time.

Kurosengoku soybeans could not be made into natto at all using normal soybean fermentation methods. Yellow soybeans will become sticky after 20 hours of fermentation, but Kurosengoku soybeans do not become sticky even after 24 hours of fermentation. What's more, the black color of the beans fades.

After much trial and error, we finally started selling natto in 2004. However, sales were poor at first due to low customer recognition. Sales in Iwate Prefecture were also difficult, so we returned to Hokkaido and, with the cooperation of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative, have continued to sell natto to this day.

Its popularity began when Kurosengoku natto was featured on television 4-5 years ago, highlighting its health benefits. Currently, we sell about 200 tons of natto per year, mainly in Honshu. We also receive inquiries from customers saying things like, "This is the first time I've come across such delicious natto," and "Where can I buy it?"

In the future, we would like to expand sales of Kurosengoku soybeans even more in order to provide our customers with even more delicious natto. With the support of everyone gathered here today, we will continue to make delicious natto, so we appreciate your continued support.

"I sincerely hope that the delicious Kurosengoku soybeans will continue to grow. Thank you very much," said Director Kadono.

Keiichi Taguchi, Section Chief, Hokkaido Federation of Small Business Associations

"I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on the successful holding of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association's 20th anniversary ceremony with so many people in attendance. I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the award recipients. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your many years of distinguished service, and I look forward to your continued success in the future.

For our members, Kurosengoku is a rare soybean that is difficult to cultivate and production ceased in the 1970s. Currently, over 400 tons are produced, which has contributed greatly to raising awareness of the highly nutritious and flavorful Kurosengoku soybean.

In addition, in 2021, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency highly praised our association for its utilization of local resources, selecting us as one of the "300 Spreading Small and Medium Enterprises," making us a model association among the 27,700 business cooperatives nationwide.

The members of the association have been jointly processing and selling the Kurosengoku rice that they have carefully cultivated, and through the development of new products and active expansion of sales channels, the company is now expanding not only domestically but also overseas. This is entirely the result of the enthusiasm and tireless efforts of Chairman Takada and all the past and present executive members, for whom I express my deepest respect.

The environment surrounding small and medium-sized enterprises remains uncertain, with rising raw material prices, increased business costs due to the weak yen, and labor shortages and the need to secure funds for wage increases.

We believe that now is the time for business cooperatives, which are based on the spirit of mutual assistance, to demonstrate their strength in order to ensure the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators whose business activities are rooted in the local community. As the Central Federation of Industrial Associations, we will be happy to assist you as a specialized support organization for small and medium-sized enterprise collaboration organizations, so we look forward to your continued support.

"In closing, I would like to use this memorable milestone year of the 20th anniversary of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association's founding as an opportunity to further strengthen the bonds between members and promote further development. I would also like to conclude by wishing good health to all those in attendance today. Congratulations today," said Section Manager Taguchi.

Hokuryu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman Masahito Fujii (Representative: Vice Chairman Manabu Okino)

"Today marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association, so I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations. On behalf of Chamber of Commerce Chairman Fujii Masahito, I, Okino, who also serves as Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman, would like to offer a few congratulatory words.

The Kurosengoku Business Cooperative was established 20 years ago with the goal of developing the region and promoting local specialties. Since then, all members have worked together to produce many wonderful specialties and widely disseminate the appeal of the region.

As Chairman Takada mentioned earlier, the results of this work were highly praised with the "Discover Treasures of Rural Areas" award, and today the company has attracted attention nationwide. I believe that the efforts made to grow the small amount of Kurosengoku into a large product and to get it into distribution truly symbolize the spirit of the cooperative.

Kurosengoku soybeans, once a staple of the region's food culture, were on the verge of disappearing with the changing times, but you all rediscovered their value and began the challenge of reviving them. As a result of the producers' union members overcoming numerous difficulties and persistent efforts, they have succeeded in reviving them as a specialty product that the region can be proud of. I have the utmost respect for their enthusiasm and drive.

The Cooperative Association's journey is not limited to product development, but also to protecting the traditions and culture of the region and continuing to create new value. Two years ago, Managing Director Yuji Takada was appointed, and the association has once again formed new ties with various companies. Even in the midst of rapid changes in the times, the association has maintained its vision and continues to take on challenges for the future, which is a great encouragement to the entire industry in the region.

As an aside, Kurosengoku Kinako soft serve ice cream is also sold at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen. We also set up a snack booth at the Himawari Tourist Center during the Sunflower Festival, held in July and August. There, we use mochi from Himawari Nosan, which grows and processes glutinous rice in Hokuryu Town, and fill it with Kurosengoku Don to make and sell mochi waffles called "Kurosengoku Moffles."

We also offer a shake called "Kurosengoku Shake," which is ice cream mixed with Kurosengoku soybean flour. We have a lot of repeat customers, especially the young people in the neighborhood who drink it. The Kurosengoku soybeans are really easy to use, and we think we have developed a very popular product.

It is my sincere hope that the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative will continue to grow over the next 10 to 20 years and contribute even more to the local community.

"In closing, I would like to wish all of you in the association and everyone gathered here good health, success, and happiness. This will be my short congratulatory speech. Congratulations to you all today," said Vice President Okino.

Guest Introduction

北竜町・佐々木康宏 町長、北竜町名誉町民・黄倉良一 様、北竜町議会・中村尚一 議長、北海道中小企業団体中央会・田口敬一 課長、きたそらち農業協同組合北竜支所・鷲尾公敏 支所長、きたそらち農業協同組合・永井稔 北竜地区代表理事、きたそらち信金北竜支所・岡田隆盛 支所長、北竜町商工会・沖野学 副会長、北竜町商工会・岡裕二 事務局長、北竜町役場産業課・続木敬子 課長、きたそらち農業協同組合北竜支所営農課・荒田勇次 課長

Video screening: Congratulatory video messages from businesses

We have received congratulatory video messages from companies that handle Kurosengoku.

1. Chiropractic Moiti (Sapporo City)
2. Daifuku store/Sasaya Daifuku (Sapporo City)
3. Umeya Co., Ltd. (Asahikawa City)

Toast: Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Naoichi Nakamura

"Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative!

Over the past 20 years, I have seen how the Kurosengoku business has struggled with trial and error and groping around in the dark. In years when snow fell early, the harvest was difficult, but the producers did not give up and continued to plant, developing products in various ways. I believe that they were able to create the right conditions with the help of many different people.

I believe that we have been able to reach this day thanks to the passion of President Takada, who overcame many difficulties and never gave up until the very end, and all of you.

I wish the Kurosengoku Business Cooperation Association continued success and growth, and I would like to offer a toast with Kurosengoku tea to wish you all good health.

Please join in the singing. Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association. Cheers! Thank you very much," said Chairman Nakamura.

Video screening looking back on the last 10 years of the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association

Kurosengoku course menu:
Produced by Mi-yan, also known as Kimura Mitsue!

This is a masterpiece dish created by Chef Maeda Tomokazu of Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen, using Kurosengoku soybeans.

Kurosengoku soy meat spring rolls

• Kurosenkoku soy meat wrapped in seven kinds of vegetables
• The dipping sauce is Kurosengoku mayonnaise dressing.

Assortment of seasonal sashimi

From Kurosengoku Acqua Pazza Seafood

• Seasoned Kurosengoku soybeans are chopped and sprinkled on top of the seafood.

Kurosengoku bean sprout hotpot

• Sunflower oil and scallop dressing
• A hotpot of surprisingly long and chewy Kurosengoku bean sprouts simmered with sunflower pork and carrots for shabu-shabu.

Kurosengoku Mapo Tofu

• Sweet and spicy flavor made with Kurosengoku meat and Kurosengoku tofu

Kurosengoku Natto Roll

• Kurosenkoku soybean rice mixed with pickled ginger and sesame seeds, wrapped in seaweed with egg, avocado, and shiso leaves
• The dipping sauce is made with black soybean broth, two types of soy sauce, and black soybean kinako sprinkles.

Kurosengoku soybean udon noodles

• Served with deep-fried Kurosen soybeans, onions, and carrots

Kurosengoku Kinako Mousse and Chiffon Cake

• Made with Kurosengoku soybean flour

Participant Interviews

Honorary Citizen of Hokuryu Town, Ryoji Kikura

Mr. Ken Yamazaki, Bean Sprout Producer, Kurosengoku

Hiroya Sakuraba, CEO of Tsuchikura Co., Ltd.

Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association, Advisor Takashi Sanbuichi

Nakamura Food Industry Co., Ltd. Representative Director Masafumi Nakamura

Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association Chairman's Wife, Noriko Takada

Producer: Takeyuki Kamatsuka (Shintotsukawa Town)

Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association, Director Yuki Takada

Tomokazu Maeda, Head Chef at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen

Thank you so much for all the wonderful dishes packed with the deliciousness of Kurosengoku soybeans!!!

Banquet

Three cheers: Kitasorachi Agricultural Cooperative Association, Minoru Nagai, Hokuryu District Representative Director

"As a producer, I have been growing Kurosengoku soybeans for 20 years. The main driving force behind cultivating Kurosengoku soybeans is the fact that they are good for your health. I have continued for 20 years with the desire to deliver something that is both delicious and good for your health to consumers.

We had many hardships, such as the plants being crushed under snow. I believe that the fact that we have been able to continue for 20 years today is the fruit of the hard work of Chairman Takada, the other executives, and all the producers.

I believe that it is our role as producers to continue this for the next 10 or 20 years to come and provide better products to consumers. I hope that we will come together in unity to provide better products to all of Japan, and I would like to conclude the event with three cheers, wishing all participants good health and happiness.

"Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Thank you very much!" said Nagai, the district representative director.

Seeing everyone off

Commemorative photo of employees

Kurosengoku souvenirs

The passion of the producers for Kurosengoku soybeans has been passed down for over 20 years, and the retailers who accept it all and deliver safe, nutritious, delicious Kurosengoku soybeans to as many consumers as possible.

Our deep affection for Kurosengoku soybeans resonates with a great energy that spreads forever, and we put our boundless love, gratitude, and prayers into the enormous power of the small Kurosengoku soybeans, which can be considered a microcosm.

Youtube Video

More Photos

Click here for photos (255 photos) from the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association 20th Anniversary Celebration 2025 >>

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