#Japan #Shodoshima #Kadoya Oil #Sesame Project

Kadoya Oil's Sustainable Initiative

Kadoya Oil Co., based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has been dedicated to sesame production for 167 years and is now embarking on an inspiring community revitalization project in its founding area, Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture. This initiative, in partnership with the town of Tonosho, is called the "Sesame Future Shodoshima Project," which seeks to promote sustainability and connect the community through the cultivation and appreciation of sesame.

On September 9, 2023, a fieldwork event was held, welcoming 78 third-grade students from Tonosho Elementary School to participate in hands-on learning experiences relating to sesame. This year's activities focused on increasing awareness about food and agriculture while allowing students to engage with local producers, ultimately fostering a stronger connection to their local culture.

One of the key activities this year took place at the old Shikai Elementary School, a facility previously abandoned, where students observed the drying process of sesame bundles. The sight of these bundles of sesame, prior to extraction, brought excitement and joy to the children as they appreciated an aspect of food production that is often overlooked.

The opening remarks were given by Maeda, the president of the local produce promotion council, who emphasized the purpose of the project as a way to energize both Tonosho Town and Shodoshima. He highlighted that the sesame harvested this year would be served in school lunches come January.

Additionally, Ishida, the manager of Kadoya's Shodoshima factory, explained the process behind sesame oil production, noting, "From 70 kilograms of sesame, we can produce only 130 bottles of oil. I hope you all can appreciate each and every sesame seed as a result of today's learning." His explanation set the stage for experiential learning, promoting an understanding of the labor and care that goes into food production.

As part of the fieldwork, the students participated in three main tasks: the sesame beating process, sifting, and the use of a cleaning machine. Observing Maeda beat the dried sesame bundles to release the seeds sparked curiosity among the children, deepening their interest in the origins of their food. Many students shared that while the beating was difficult, the activity proved to be enjoyable and educational. This firsthand experience allowed them to grasp the significance of food and the blessings of nature, making them more cognizant of the journey their food undergoes before reaching their tables.

In the closing remarks, Hamanaka from the Hinata no Sato Ikisue Association echoed the day’s learning outcomes, remarking, “As demonstrated today, the sesame you harvest goes through various processes, such as beating, sifting, and cleaning, before becoming Kadoya Oil products.” Additionally, a student representative expressed gratitude, stating, “Through beating the sesame and sifting out debris, I learned how sesame is processed. From now on, I will cherish sesame in my meals. Thank you for today!”

In the afternoon, the students moved to Kadoya's Shodoshima factory for a tour, where they learned about the history and methods of sesame oil production. This year marked a new initiative where students observed the extraction of freshly harvested sesame, gaining insights into the processes of roasting and pressing sesame seeds into oil, as well as the separation of oil from defatted sesame. Experiencing the uniqueness of the oil’s color and aroma enriched the students' understanding of the material.

The "Sesame Future Shodoshima Project" anticipates providing school lunches that incorporate sesame harvested in 2025, aiming for a comprehensive education about food systems. This ongoing program supports not just industry growth and the utilization of fallow land, but also addresses the challenges posed by depopulation in the region, ultimately revitalizing the community.

Project Overview
The "Sesame Future Shodoshima Project" is a collaborative effort between Kadoya Oil, the town of Tonosho, and local farmers (Hinata no Sato Ikisue). It aims to utilize fallow farmland for sesame cultivation, thereby contributing to the development and sustainability of the island. For the 2025 harvest, targeted cultivation areas are planned in Ikisue with a field size of 1,830 square meters and an anticipated yield of 70 kilograms.

About Kadoya Oil
Founded in 1858 in Shodoshima, Kadoya Oil Co. has been exclusively engaged in producing sesame products for 167 years. Known for its rich and aromatic "pure sesame oil," the company has successfully expanded its overseas market share, growing its sales from 1.7 billion yen in 2007 to an impressive 8.6 billion yen expected by 2024. Kadoya Oil leads the sesame oil market in Japan and the U.S., indicating its essential role in the global food landscape.

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