Over 99% of Menma Sold in Japan are Imported - Challenging the Status Quo. 125 Tons of "Domestic Menma" Born from Neglected Bamboo Forests

Photo of salted menma

Transforming neglected bamboo forests from "nuisances" to "local resources." Takejiro Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, CEO: Takahiro Koga) has completed the primary processing of domestically produced salted menma for fiscal year 2026. This year, approximately 60,000 young bamboo culms were harvested, producing about 125 tons of raw salted menma. While over 99% of menma sold in Japan are imported, we have established one of the largest supply systems in Japan for domestic menma production. This initiative not only addresses the worsening problem of neglected bamboo forests but also promotes the "Itoshima Model," a regional circular model that transforms bamboo from a "nuisance" into a "local resource." It is gaining attention nationwide as a new regional development approach that simultaneously achieves environmental conservation, regional industry revitalization, and improved food self-sufficiency.

Fiscal Year 2026 Activity Results

Largest primary processing in Japan completed in approximately 3 weeks From April 21 to May 11, 2026, we concentrated our efforts on harvesting and processing while monitoring bamboo growth over approximately three weeks. This large-scale collaborative project involved a total of about 500 participants, including local residents, producers, companies, students, and government officials.

Group photo at the processing plant

FY2026 Results

Harvested Volume: Approximately 60,000 young bamboo culms harvested

Production Volume: Approximately 125 tons of raw salted domestic menma produced

Number of Participants: Approximately 500 people

Managed Bamboo Forests: Approximately 240 ha

Implementation Period: April 21, 2026 - May 11, 2026

Implementation Area: Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture (including some neighboring cities)

This represents one of the largest processing scales for domestic menma production in Japan.

Solving Neglected Bamboo Forests Through "Food" Neglected bamboo forests are a problem nationwide. Bamboo can grow over a meter a day, and once neglected, it encroaches on forests, raising concerns about landslides and impacts on ecosystems. Takejiro utilizes these young bamboo culms as food, specifically "domestic menma." By transforming bamboo forest management from a "cost" into an "industry," we are building a new regional circular model that balances environmental problem-solving with regional economic revitalization.

The "Itoshima Model" Expands Nationwide

Takejiro is expanding the system established in Itoshima City nationwide as the "Itoshima Model." Currently, we are collaborating with producers and organizations in 35 prefectures across the country to manage neglected bamboo forests. In the future, we will provide primary processing technology and operational know-how to each region, creating local employment and supporting the development of new industries that utilize local resources.

Comment from CEO Takahiro Koga

"Neglected bamboo forests are a common issue across Japan. We don't want to stop at just cutting down bamboo; we want to pass it on to the future as a valuable local resource. We aim to change the current situation where most menma sold in Japan is imported, and create Japanese menma from Japanese bamboo. We will spread this model, born in Itoshima, nationwide and foster new industries that balance environmental problem-solving with regional economic revitalization."

Takahiro Koga, Representative Director

Future Outlook

By fiscal year 2027, Takejiro aims to: Establish a production system for 500 tons of domestic menma raw materials Strengthen the nationwide supply system Further manage neglected bamboo forests Expand the "Itoshima Model" in various regions across Japan. Transforming neglected bamboo forests into local resources. We will spread bamboo as a new industry that connects to the future, throughout Japan.

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Takejiro Co., Ltd.

Representative: Takahiro Koga, Representative Director

Location: Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Management Philosophy: We contribute to society through menma production

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of domestic menma, and management, maintenance, and local resource utilization of neglected bamboo forests.