A village deep in the mountains
Yabu City, located in the Tajima region of northern Hyogo Prefecture, is a mountainous area with more than 80% of the area covered by mountain forests.
The former Nishidani Elementary School is located in a small village deep in the mountains of Yabu City.
Clean water and air are essential for vinegar brewing. There is a lot of fallow land, and it was also attractive to be able to grow rice and yuzu as raw materials with the cooperation of local farmers.
Vinegar production in the former school's gymnasium
The gymnasium has a high ceiling and is spacious. It was therefore suitable for conversion into a factory with large equipment. The converesion still required major investment, not only for equipment but for re-inforcing the floor and installing equipment to control temperature and humidity.
The vinegar is brewed using an old-fashioned method called the static fermentation method. The back stage of the gymnasium is a fermentation warehouse with cedar planks on the floor, walls, and ceiling. While thoroughly controlling the temperature and humidity, it is fermented and aged over time making a mellow and flavorful vinegar.
Sourcing local ingredients
Sticking to locally sourced ingredients has been a consistent policy their establishment. These also include products from local farms such as Yuzu citrus, Sansho petter and ginger used in their condiments.
Routed in the local community
Coexistence with the local community is a very important part of TAJIMA's philosophy.
Every autumn the local community is invited for a community exchange event with BBQ and the local high school's brass band playing.
The company also regularly holds events introducing local students into the world of making vinegar. Cooking classes are held in the school's former class room for home economics.
