Our Commitment to Quality Soybeans

Kosugi Foods’ natto is made primarily from domestically grown soybeans. Natto-making begins with growing these beans, so we carefully manage the soil where we grow them to make delicious natto. Today, domestically grown soybeans account for only 20% of those used to make natto, with inexpensive imports making up the remaining 80%. 92 years after our founding, we find this reality disappointing, having long dedicated ourselves to crafting delicious natto. We believe the authentic, enjoyable flavor of natto comes only from domestically grown soybeans nurtured in Japan’s natural environment. Our commitment to domestically grown beans stems not only from Japan’s favorable natural environment but also from the dedication of the producers. Farmers carefully prepare the soil so it is ideal for soybeans grown for natto. Moreover, domestically grown beans—cultivated with heartfelt care and a fine balance of sunlight, water, wind, air, and soil—are trusted for their safety and reliability. The quality of these soybeans is the result of the producers’ efforts.

We prioritize direct, ongoing communication with our soybean farmers to deepen trust in their beans’ quality. Through such dialogues, we share ideas on making delicious natto, and in turn, our producers grow high-quality soybeans for us.

We offer producer-traceable natto (“natto you can put a face to”). We source soybeans grown locally in our home prefecture of Mie for products such as “Suzuotome Natto” and “Fukuyutaka Natto.” These beans are cultivated by a producer deeply committed to soybean farming. When we share customers’ stories about how they have enjoyed our products, it motivates the producer, who is truly delighted. This producer is a government-certified Eco-farmer, holding the official designation for agricultural producers who practice environmentally friendly farming, such as by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.