The Exciting Miso Festival Returns to Ebetsu for a Flavorful Experience

Experience Japan's Rich Miso Heritage at the Nippon Miso Dochuu in Ebetsu

From August 23 to September 30, 2025, the largest miso event in Japan, 'Nippon Miso Dochuu in Ebetsu Vol.2', will take place at the Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore in Hokkaido, in collaboration with Dot Miso (CEO: Ayumi Yasuoka).

This is the second edition of the highly successful event that first took place in 2024, which attracted significant attention from visitors and the media alike. This year, more than 11 miso breweries and producers from all over Japan will converge to present over 30 unique products. Expect nothing less than a special lineup that truly deserves the title of 'miso festival'.

Among the offerings will be aged miso crafted using traditional wooden barrels from a brewery established over a century ago, as well as elusive miso varieties made through the rare 'miso ball technique' and innovative flavors introduced by young producers. In addition, events will showcase unique interpretations of miso, including miso-infused craft cola and accessories inspired by miso.

Visitors can savor tastings of various miso products and participate in workshops hosted by producers. These events aim to blend tradition with modern lifestyles through miso, craft cola, and accessories, creating an engaging experience that can be enjoyed across generations. This is an initiative aimed at introducing a new culture surrounding miso.

Hand-sized Miso for Modern Households

Each miso on display will be approximately 200g, perfectly portioned for convenience. In today's world, where nuclear families and single-person households are becoming the norm, many people find that store-bought miso quantities are too large to consume before they spoil.

Dot Miso, a specialty shop focused on hand-sized miso, is meeting contemporary lifestyle needs by proposing a new way to enjoy miso in smaller amounts. This makes it easier for younger generations and those living alone to purchase and sample different varieties, promoting the integration of miso into everyday meals.

A Wide Selection of Miso from Across the Nation

At Dot Miso's pop-up shop, carefully selected miso from various regions and even international options will be showcased. The variety will include traditional wooden barrel-aged miso, craft cola, and various merchandise to cater to a broad audience.

Featured Miso Breweries and Brands (in alphabetical order):

- Ii Shoten (Uwajima, Ehime)
- Daigen Miso (Osaka)
- Ebisu Miso Brewery (Iizuka, Fukuoka)
- Kato Heitaro Shoten (Odawara, Kanagawa)
- Chita Cola (Chita, Aichi)
- Dot Miso (Shibuya, Tokyo)
- Nitta Jozo (Hachiouji, Nagano)
- Fermented Food Lab (Ichiki Kushikino, Kagoshima)
- Hamaguchi Suisan (Miyakojima, Okinawa)
- Mannen-ya (Matsumoto, Nagano)
- Miura Jozo (Awa, Tokushima)

A Unique Background in Miso and Kickboxing

The founder of Dot Miso, Ayumi Yasuoka, has an intriguing history as a former professional kickboxer known as Texas Ayumi. After retiring from the sport, she transitioned into the traditional miso industry fueled by her love for miso and fermented foods, which she incorporated into her training regimen for optimal performance.

With a mission to incorporate miso into everyday life, she established Dot Miso. Yasuoka draws on the strengths of her combat sports experience to build relationships with miso producers and promote Japanese fermentation culture for future generations. Beyond just preserving traditions, she is actively seeking new business avenues centered around miso, such as organizing pop-up events and collaborations with artists and musicians. Her goal is to evolve miso from a traditional food staple into an integral part of modern day lifestyles.

Exciting Workshops and Collaborations

Throughout the duration of the festival, from August 23 to September 30, a variety of miso-themed events will unfold in the Kitchen Event Area at Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore. Notably, participants can look forward to workshops featuring female artisans from miso breweries across the nation, who will share their secret techniques and traditional knowledge in a fun and satisfying atmosphere.

Sample Workshops Include:

- Summer Miso Making Workshop:

- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM
- Fee: 5,500 JPY (tax included)
- Instructor: Ikuko Murai from Daigen Miso

- Delicious Miso Preparation with White Miso:

- Date: September 11, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fee: 3,500 JPY (tax included)
- Instructor: Ikuko Murai from Daigen Miso

These workshops are not just about making miso; they're about exploring the culinary potential of miso in various recipes, enriching the dining experience by teaching attendees tips and techniques for enhancing their meals with miso.

Interactive Elements

During the festival, there will also be live interactions via Instagram, allowing audiences to hear directly from producers about their craft and the stories behind their miso. The schedule for these live events will be announced on Dot Miso's Instagram account, connecting producers and consumers in a new and exciting way.