Sales of “Saruga Natto Fukufuku” manufactured at “Kyokkoen” (Sarugameido, Hirakawa City), a facility for people with disabilities in Hirakawa, Aomori Prefecture, are selling well.

"Manufacturing of natto started in 2008," explains Yuki Matsuo, the person in charge. The facility provides employment opportunities for people with physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities and conducts various businesses such as manufacturing disposable chopsticks and printing stickers and labels. Before starting the natto business, we visited Hokkaido and Iwate prefectures and repeated trial and error. It took a year to develop.

Residents hand pick each bean made from Hokkaido and Tsuruta-cho, Aomori prefecture, and hand-packed by hand.

Initially, it was placed in stores such as product stores and supermarkets in Hirakawa City and Kuroishi City, but the number of handling places has decreased due to closing and other reasons. Although it had been distributed in Hirosaki City for personal delivery, it was said that it started selling in earnest in February.

Repeaters are increasing due to reviews such as “the taste of beans is solid” and “it is easier to eat than commercially available natto”. Mr. Matsuo smiles, saying "I'm happy" when he receives inquiries about the selling place and other information by phone. "Because of the small amount of production, we are fully able to catch up with demand, but we will only make it steadily," he said.

The price is 100 yen (2 boxes for 50 grams) for large grain type and 130 yen (3 boxes for 45 grams) for small grain type. Currently, at "Fresh Farm FORET" in Hiroro (Hirosaki City Ekimae), Hirosaki Aoyama street direct sales office (Aoyama), Shiki no Kimono Hospitality Roman Museum (Hirakawa City Onoue), Coop Aomori Kuroishi store (Kuroishi City Midoricho) Are on sale.