Hirosaki's select shop "bambooforest" will start selling its self-developed product "Hotate no Megami" on June 18th.

Hotate no Megami is a cleaning powder made from 100% Aomori scallop shells. Miki Takemori, the owner of the shop, said, "In Aomori Prefecture, which produces the largest amount of farmed scallops in Japan, a lot of seashells are disposed of as industrial waste. I've been thinking about making effective use of them for some time, but I haven't been able to take the first step. I said.

Cleaning powder made from scallop shells becomes alkaline (basic) when dissolved in water, and has the effect of cleaning, deodorizing, and sterilizing. Mr. Takemori has been using it in his own life for a long time, washing clothes, washing vegetables and other foods, and using it as a disinfectant spray. “It is a natural material even if it is washed with water, so it is environmentally friendly,” says Mr. Takemori.

It is said that the reason for starting development was hearing stories of people aiming for a recycling-oriented society. “I have come to feel that I have to do it myself, and the number of products using scallop shells has increased, but many of the companies that use Aomori shells are outside the prefecture, making it more appealing to the locals. I was frustrated that I couldn't send out," says Takemori. We started by looking for a scallop shell processing company in the prefecture, insisted on making it locally, and asked local designers and illustrators to design the product.

The completed “Scallop Megami” will go on sale on June 18, “Scallop Day”. Mr. Takemori said, "Currently, we sell packages, but we would like to sell by weight at stores. We want young people in particular to know that not only environmental protection but also things that can be done locally, not from the city, can revitalize the region. I want it," he says.

“There is demand for cleaning powders made from natural ingredients overseas.

The price is 1,210 yen for 200 grams.