Our guest is Hideatsu Shibanuma who is the 18th-generation president of Shibanuma Soy Sauce, which was founded in 1688. Shibanuma Soy Sauce has specialized in producing barrel-aged soy sauce in Ibaraki Prefecture for about 370 years.  Its products were so superior that they were served to Shoguns during the Edo period. 

Like many other craftsmen-based traditional businesses in Japan, soy sauce manufacturers have faced challenges due to reasons like a declining population and changes in people’s diet.  But Shibanuma Soy Sauce is doing well, thanks to its success in the export markets, with over 60 destinations worldwide.  But it did not happen overnight.  It is the result of Hideatsu’s hard work. 

In this episode, we will discuss the key to successfully running the 377-year old soy sauce company, the unique taste of Hideatsu’s barrel-aged soy sauce, why his products have been attracting the attention of top chefs all over the world and much, much more!!!

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