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For
centuries, soy sauce has been an indispensable ingredient
in Japanese and Chinese cuisines - but these days,
the taste of soy sauce goes beyond Japanese and Chinese
food. This versatile seasoning brewed from soybeans,
wheat and salt is now considered essential in the
health-conscious Western kitchen, and today we add
soy sauce to just about everything, from hamburgers
to stews, from salads to desserts.
The ancient origins of soy sauce are shrouded in the mists of
Asia's culinary history; yet for many, today's soy sauce brings
only one
name to mind: Kikkoman. The history of Kikkoman and its famous
soy sauce began when the Mogi and Takanashi families began soy
sauce production along the Edo River in Noda, a small city located
not far from Tokyo. For more than three centuries, the company
formed by these families has created delicious, all-natural seasonings
that have won prizes worldwide, including honours at the 1873
Vienna World's Fair and the distinctive position as the official
sauces
for the Japanese imperial household for many years.
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Yet the name Kikkoman
means more than just superior soy sauce. According
to Japanese folklore, the tortoise lives for 10,000
years and thus is a symbol of longevity -- what every
company
hopes for. Therefore, kikko, which means tortoise
shell in Japanese, and man, meaning 10,000, were
chosen first
as the trademark for the Mogi's best soy sauce and
later as the company name.
The hexagonal logo found on Kikkoman products represents a tortoise
shell with the Chinese character for 10,000 inscribed inside. More
than 250 years after their ancestors began soy sauce production,
in 1917 the Mogi and Takanashi families incorporated as Noda Shoyu
Co., Ltd. The company's name was changed to Kikkoman Shoyu Co.,
Ltd. in 1964, and again in 1980 to Kikkoman Corporation |
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Although
soy sauce is still produced in Noda and remains
Kikkoman's leading product, Kikkoman today represents
much more than soy sauce and has expanded far beyond
the banks of the Edo River. Kikkoman Soy Sauce
is now produced in the United States, Europe, Singapore,
Taiwan and China as well.
In addition to our various plants, Kikkoman also has many subsidiaries
and affiliates. The diversification of products ranges from pharmaceutical
products to Oriental foodstuffs. The Kikkoman Group includes affiliations
with Del Monte, Manns Wine Co., Ltd. and JFC International Inc.
JFC International Inc., which joined the Kikkoman Group in 1969,
represents more than 8,500 Oriental foodstuffs.
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Kikkoman believes in "Flavours
That Bring People Together," and the company
is devoted to promoting international
cultural exchange. Through involvement in educational and student
exchange programs such as Youth For Understanding for high school
students, and AIESEC, a work/study program for university students,
Kikkoman is committed to enhancing international understanding.
In addition, Kikkoman offers hands-on cooking classes for both
Japanese and foreign residents in Japan that feature traditional Japanese
and international cuisines. |
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