People involved in flax in Japan-flax edition-

Flax, an annual plant of the Flaxaceae family, is a very good plant. It produces popular linen and superfood flaxseed oil and delivers the blessings of nature to us. These natural ingredients and healthy products are available because there are people who grow flax and develop products. Introducing people involved in flax in Japan.

About flax cultivation in Japan

The history of flax is surprisingly old and is said to have been from the time of ancient Egypt. In Japan, flax cultivation began in earnest in the Meiji era. It was introduced by the Hokkaido Development Commission because the climate and climate of Hokkaido were suitable for flax cultivation. At its peak, it reached about 40,000 hectares in Hokkaido. For example, 40,000 hectares is equivalent to 600 golf courses, so you can see how flax cultivation was popular at that time. However, after 1968, the demand for flax decreased due to the emergence of chemical fibers, the factory was closed, and flax cultivation disappeared. However, a story was born in flax cultivation. There was a movement among the people of Hokkaido to revive flax cultivation at that time. Let me introduce you right away.

Hokkaido is the center of flax cultivation in Japan

Currently, the center of flax cultivation in Japan is Hokkaido. The reason is that it is really simple and the cool climate of Hokkaido is the best place to grow flax.

In the hot summer, the land we visit for summer is also suitable for flax and grows and grows. Flax has pretty lilac flowers on the tips of its thin stems. In July, you will be impressed to see the flax flower field all over the vast land of Hokkaido where the blue sky spreads. The characteristic of the flower, which blooms early in the morning and scatters in the daytime, may be even more beautiful. There is a company in Hokkaido that has revived flax and has made many attempts.

People involved in flax

In Hokkaido, there are companies that not only grow flax, but also plan, manufacture and sell products.

Cultivation by the flax production association, production by the flax public corporation, and sale of products by the flax renaissance. These three companies have set up the "Flax Renaissance Concept" as a group called "Flax Industry Cluster" with the idea of reviving flax.

Based on the belief that "flax is returned to Hokkaido", we succeeded in reviving flax cultivation for the first time in about 40 years. Next, let's take a closer look at these three companies.

Reference: Where flax cultivation is carried out in Hokkaido

People involved in flax cultivation in Japan at Flax Corporation

In 2001, the Flax Production Association, Flax Corporation and the Flax Renaissance collaborated to revive the flax industry in Hokkaido. The flax production association is a cooperative consisting of contract farmers in Tobetsu Town and Shintotsukawa Town, and grows flax without using pesticides. Flax Corporation has the role of developing and manufacturing flax-related products and selling those products by the flax renaissance. Flax Corporation is a core company for conducting business based on the "Flax Renaissance Concept". Below, I will explain in detail the business of Hemp Corporation.

About the business of flax public corporation

Flax public corporation official website

Flax Corporation started its business in Tobetsu-cho, Hokkaido in 2004. It is this flax public corporation that has revived flax cultivation for the first time in about 40 years.

We develop and manufacture a number of products using only pesticide-free flax cultivated by reliable producers. In addition to product development and manufacturing, Flax Corporation plans and hosts an event called "Hokkaido Flax Festival in Tobetsu" every year.

This event is held every year in early July when the flax flower field is in full bloom, where you can experience linen collection and spinning, exhibit the winning works of the flax photo contest, and sell a number of flax products. This event, which has been going on for more than 10 years, is visited by many visitors in search of the opportunity to love flax flowers under the blue sky and get familiar with flax. The original idea of "flax again in Hokkaido" has been fulfilled brilliantly.

Flax products handled by Flax Corporation

Let's introduce the flax products that Flax Corporation deals with. A typical product is flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil made by the cold press method, which uses only Hokkaido flax seeds and slowly and carefully extracts the oil, contains abundant α-linolenic acid, which makes our lives healthy and also. It supports beauty.

Also noteworthy is the flaxseed oil supplement, which was successfully developed for the first time in Japan. There are also flaxseed oil dressings with yuzu onion flavor, and soaps containing roasted flaxseed, fir and lavender. All products are good for your health and are naturally derived, so you can use them with confidence.

People involved in flax cultivation all over Japan

In addition, we will continue to introduce people involved in flax cultivation. Mr. Kotaniagri from Hokkaido, who values the connection with consumers, and Mr. Kazumikaze, who started trial cultivation of flax in Shinshu, Nagano Prefecture.

History of Hokkaido Kotaniagri and flax

Hokkaido Kotania Guri Official Website

Sarabetsu Village is located under the jurisdiction of the Tokachi General Promotion Bureau in Hokkaido, where agriculture is flourishing. Kotani Agri, run by Koichi Kotani, has a vast farm of 160 hectares in Sarabetsu Village, which is located in the middle of the vast Tokachi Plain and overlooks the magnificent Hidaka Mountains. In addition to wheat, potatoes and beets, flax is produced here. Let me introduce the history of the Kotani family starting flax cultivation. In 1967, his father Seiichi acquired 112 hectares of land in Sarabetsu Village. After graduating from Rakuno Gakuen University, Koichi will return to Sarabetsu Village in 1977 after gaining a year of dairy training in Ontario, Canada. However, in the recessionary period of two oil crises, in 1990 we made a big decision to change to full-time upland farming. We will rationalize while cultivating wheat, potatoes and beets. That's where flax cultivation started. This is because we focused on "European agriculture," in which the harvesting work is completed with a single combine harvester.

Mr. Kotani visits the farm and opens a homepage with the motto of "visualizing" the state of the farm. When flax flowers are in full bloom, we are very active in activities such as planning tours with photography courses, focusing on the connection between "farmers who make" and "consumers who eat".

Flax cultivation in Kitaaiki, Shinano, Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture Shinshu Kitaaiki Official Website

With the strong image of flax cultivation in Hokkaido, I would like to introduce Mr. "Wami no Kaze" who started trial cultivation in Nagano prefecture. Kitaaiki Village, located in Minamisaku District, Shinano Prefecture, overlooks Yatsugatake, has a plateau climate with an altitude of about 1,000 m, and has clean water and air.

Mr. Sato, the owner, was wondering about the present age when chemical fibers and disposables are becoming commonplace, but it was cloth that made me realize the splendor of nature, and flax cloth is the best. I thought.

Then, in May 2015, I hoped that flax cultivation would lead to the vitality of the village, and I took advantage of the cold climate of the highlands to lead flax cultivation to success. With the support of the village, flax is cultivated, and on faceboo, the process of turning flax fibers into threads, the state of the thread tsumugi workshop, and photos of pretty flax flowers are posted. We also carry flax products that are safe, secure, and have traditional processing methods.

Reference: Flax flower color and how it blooms

The enthusiasm of those involved in flax will continue to lead to the growth of the flax industry.

We introduced people involved in flax in Japan. Taking action with long-standing thoughts in mind, we develop and manufacture products with a spirit of challenge and commitment. With such enthusiasm, we will receive items that will enrich our lives. There are already many fans of flax products that support linen living and health consciousness. Let's expect what kind of new things will be born in the future.

Reference: People involved in flax in Japan-linen edition-