This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Natto is a processed food that is easily available, packed with nutrition, and is a must-have for many people in the morning !
It is said that many people in western Japan don't like natto, but I think that many people from Tohoku like it. In this article, we will introduce some local natto from Miyagi Prefecture that can be purchased at supermarkets in the prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture is the birthplace of natto bacteria, a national pride
Natto bacteria were originally discovered by Dr. Sawamura Makoto,Dr. Hanzawa Jun, , continued his research and succeeded in cultivating the bacteria in pure form in 1916. He began selling it under the name "university natto,"
The person who was one of the first to adopt "Daigaku Natto" and start a business, industrializing Hanzawa-style natto production in 1920, was none other than Jiro Miura, the founder of Miyagino Natto Factory
The Miyagino strain of natto bacteria produced by Miyagino Natto Factory is considered to be one of the three major strains (Miyagino strain, Takahashi strain, and Naruse strain) that are the ancestors of today's commercially available natto
Incidentally, the other two of the three major strains, Takahashi strain is from Yamagata Prefecture and Naruse strain is from Iwate Prefecture, so natto also has its roots in the Tohoku region. I didn't know that!
Miyagino Natto (Sendai City)
This product is from Miyagino Natto Seizojo, a company established in 1920 and based in Miyagino Ward, Sendai City. It can be purchased mainly at supermarkets in Sendai
Miyagino Natto Factory is a long-established factory that is the birthplace of the Miyagino strain, one of the three major strains (Miyagino strain, Takahashi strain, and Naruse strain) that are said to be the ancestors of natto currently sold commercially
Miyagino natto
The soybeans used are from Russia and come with five certificates, including seed certification, pesticide certification, and sorting and storage certification, and are small, about 10 mm in size
This natto has a soft, moist texture and is easy to eat. In addition to the type shown in the photo above, there is also the traditional triangular natto wrapped in shredded oak
This product is made by Kawaguchi Natto Ltd., a company with over 75 years of history. It can be purchased at supermarkets and roadside stations in northern Miyagi Prefecture, mainly in Kurihara City. You can also find it in supermarkets in Sendai City
Kawaguchi natto (medium grain)
The small-grain natto is made primarily from " Suzumaru " small-grain soybeans from Hokkaido, the large-grain natto is made primarily from " Tanrei " large-grain soybeans from Miyagi Prefecture, and the medium-grain natto is made primarily from domestic soybeans from Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi.
The natto in the photo is a medium-sized grain of about 12 to 14 mm, with a chewy texture and a strong soybean flavor
Kawaguchi Natto <Information>
Name: Kawaguchi Natto
Address: 10 Ichisakoshimataikohara, Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture, 987-2306
The product is manufactured by Tsukamoto Foods in Tome-cho, Tome City, and can be purchased at supermarkets in northern Miyagi Prefecture
Toyoma natto
It is made with small soybeans from Miyagi Prefecture, measuring approximately 10 mm in size. Due to the limited production volume, it is a rare type of natto that is hard to find
This product is made by Daiei Shoten in Murata Town and can be purchased mainly at supermarkets and roadside stations in southern Miyagi Prefecture, as well as online
Green Pearl Natto (small grains)
This natto is made up of tiny grains of about 9 mm in size, and is characterized by its chewy texture and rich bean flavor
The packaging is also unique in that it contains two meals and has a divider in the middle
Green Pearl Natto packaging
By the way, the online shop offers a wide range of products in addition to those mentioned above, including chocolate natto and dry natto
This product is made by the aforementioned Green Pearl Natto maker, Daiei Shoten, but they are committed to selling this product locally and do not sell it through mail order. It can only be purchased at supermarkets and product shops in the southern part of the prefecture
Manei Natto
Its most notable feature is its incredible stickiness. If you try to stir it with chopsticks, they might break
The contents of Man'ei natto
Highly recommended for those who like sticky natto
This product is made by Kakoren Co., Ltd., which is an independent company from Miyagi Sennan Agricultural Cooperative. It can be purchased mainly at supermarkets in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture
Kakoren Co., Ltd. was originally established to process soybeans from soybean producers in Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture into natto, so although the soybeans used are domestically produced, it is believed that the soybeans used are mainly from Kakuda, Miyagi
Abukuma Natto
The natto is small, about 10mm in size, and has a strong soybean sweetness that makes it perfect for eating with rice
Kakoren Co., Ltd. <Information>
Name: Miyagi Sennan Agricultural Cooperative Association (Kakoren Co., Ltd.)
Address: 136-2 Ejiri Makimuki, Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-1521
Phone number:
Official URL:
Google Map
Watari Natto (Watari Town)
This product is made by Watari Natto Ltd. It can be purchased mainly at supermarkets in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture
It won the Miyagi Prefectural Governor's Award at the 21st National Natto Evaluation in 2016
Watari natto
They are made from small soybeans from Hokkaido, measuring approximately 9 to 10 mm in size
There are approximately 30 natto manufacturers in Miyagi Prefecture, so of course there are many other local natto varieties produced within the prefecture
If you like natto, be sure to try looking for it in various places, including when you travel
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
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