Unique Japanese Companies in the UK
There are a number of unique Japanese companies in the UK that surround us, most of which we can see or use in our daily lives. These companies have made a huge amount of effort to have success overseas, but many people still do not know that they exist. These unique companies help shape the way we cook, heal our guts, and enjoy tasteful moments.
Science in a Bottle - How it all started
It is not an unknown fact that we, as human beings, struggle with our digestion. Over the years we have changed our diets time and time again, to suit what has been available around us, and not all foods suit our individual needs. Yakult has been in the making since 1930 however they worked to create a product that helps to build immunity, reduce risk of infections, and prevent digestive disorders such as diarrhoea and constipation. Yakult focused on helping people, instead of their numbers and sales, making them such a popular brand across the world.
Yakult was born in Iida-shi, Nagano province - Japan by Dr Shirota in 1935. He was a strong believer that he could promote wellbeing and happiness by providing a product that would help people with their digestion. Dr Shirota studied microbiology at the University of Kyoto with a determined mind to reach his goal of finding a bacterium, which would be strong enough to withstand the journey to the stomach alive and be able to live in harmony with the bacteria already in the gut - this strain was called Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS). This was the foundation of the Yakult drink and its magical properties!
All the Benefits and more
This little bottle of Yakult has more benefits than we realise, it is not just gut health, but skin health, heart health, preventing anxiety, stress, cancer, and upper respiratory tract infection.
How? You ask… The probiotics in the Yakult contribute to the smooth function of the human body. It is rich in healthy bacteria that improves overall health and helps in fighting infections. Following are some the Yakult drink benefits:
Managing skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, acne, and atopic dermatitis.
Managing gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and constipation.
Regulate microbial imbalance to prevent respiratory infections.
Balance the intestinal hormones which contribute to anxiety and depression.
Delay the formation of cancerous tumours in the body and maintain sustainable physiochemical conditions in the colon. (Meaning Yakult can prevent chances of lung and colon cancer).
Reducing inflammation and aid regulated cholesterol levels, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and boosting heart health.
It really is a little bottle of science!
Yakult Advertisement and Marketing
The original packaging for Yakult was a little glass bottle that would be delivered, collected, washed, and sterilised for each batch, but the iconic Yakult bottle that we now know was designed by Isamu Kenmochi. The shape of the bottle was designed to make it easy and light for all to hold. Regardless of if the consumer were young or old, they would be able to hold the bottle comfortably.
Yakults original delivery system was implemented in 1963, The Yakult Lady-System. Armed with the detailed product knowledge, these women would deliver the Yakult bottles directly to several homes daily, ensuring the locals get their daily dose of the gut healing drink. The bacteria in this drink had to be consumed alive so it was important that it was fresh. This marketing strategy, face to face daily contact with consumers, increased the popularity of the product and contributed to the company's brand, proving that they cared about their customers by putting their health first.
“Seasoning your life” - Kikkoman
Many of us have used this brand of soy sauce, whether it is at home or in a restaurant. It has so many uses; it can be used as salad dressings, marinades, glazes, in general cooking or simple seasoning, the opportunities are endless. Being a worldwide favourite, Kikkoman has manufacturing warehouses and offices all over the world, these include Japan, United States, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, China, and Canada.
How is Soy Sauce made and where does it come from?
Soy sauce consists of several hours of soaking and steaming soybeans, they rely on suitable temperatures and humidity to create the perfect environment. The mixture is then moved to large barrels, these are referred to as “Koike,” which are made of khoya maki (Japanese umbrella pine tree) known to be outstandingly resilient and waterproof. During the “Moromi” fermentation process a culturing mould known as “Aspergillus Oryzae” is mixed in, which is also used to make miso, as well as roasted and ground wheat flour to make Shoyu Koji. After some time, the Moromi will decompose and mature. Finally, it is filtered little by little in cloth, pasteurised and bottled. The label usually has “naturally brewed” for traditionally fermented soy sauce. Skilful craftsmen observe this entire process to ensure quality production of Japanese soy sauce.
Soy sauce originated from China, dating back to 500 B.C. being one of the oldest condiments in the world. It made its way to Japan in the 13th Century and is now arguably the most used condiment in Japanese cuisine.
What makes Kikkoman so unique?
It is the most popular brand of soy sauce in Japan and the company is also the largest manufacturer of soy sauce in the world. The name is a combination of the word “Kikko” and “man,” which means tortoise shell, and 10,000. In Japanese folklore, the tortoise is a symbol of steady progress and longevity, it is believed that Kikkoman will live as long as 10,000 years. The Kikkoman trademark was created from these two meanings, a hexagon to represent the tortoise shell and the character for 10,000 in the middle to represent longevity.
Kikkoman's commercials have always had a fun spin to them, often the idea that you can have fun while cooking, using Kikkoman soy sauce. It is an exciting and interesting way to capture the audience's attention for a simple yet versatile condiment. The key to the success of this soy sauce giant is their flexible approach to the overseas market. The management realised the potential soon after the end of World War II, seeing the American expats enjoying soy sauce. They approached each market in a way that appeals to local taste, adjusting the recipe suggestions. Teriyaki-sauce was conceived in an attempt to customise soy sauce to suit grilled meat, which was not in the Japanese daily diet back then.
It takes the resilience of a tortoise and it has proven to be one of the keys to success.
Pointblank Promotions aims to support all unique businesses to expand their services further, please feel free to contact us to discuss more.