In 1924, the founders, Mr. Saichi Iwata and his wife Mrs. Shizu Iwata focused on the Okutama Valley, and they cultivated the land with the dream of creating a beautiful wasabi field with pure natural water flowing through it.
That was the first step in the beginning of Kaneku.
The 1823 Musashi Scenic Pictures describes that wasabi was cultivated and shipped to the Kanda vegetable market in Tokyo as a specialty of Umezawa (the name of a place in Okutama, Tokyo). Mr. Saichi Iwata was one of the people involved in that work.
Nowadays, with globalization, Wasabi existence is known around the world along with sushi, and it has become established as a representative spice that conveys Japanese food culture.
The past 100 years, Kaneku has grown into a global company, wasabi is Kaneku's main product.
Kaneku will continue to maintain a passion for wasabi and will continue to deliver “MAGOKORO” to your table.
The reason why the founders, Mr. Saichi and Mrs. Shizuka Iwata, moved from central Tokyo to Okutama (their hometown) was because of the Kanto Earthquake that occurred in 1923.
At this time, despite the hardships of the disaster, he rose up and started cultivating wasabi. This is where Kaneku started.
Mr. Saichi was a person that challenged himself.
In 1939, he focused on producing Kaneku wasabi powder, which retains its freshness even at room temperature. In the 1970s, it became so popular that it accounted for 50% of the wasabi market in Japanese restaurants. He was a very creative person, so he went on to develop and introduce products that are essential to the Japanese food culture, such as “mustard powder”, “sweet and sour ginger”, and “shichimi chili pepper”, to the world.
His ambition never diminished as he grew older, and he developed “plum paste” at the age of 80. Even after 50 years of its release, it is still loved in Japan and all over the world.
In addition to Kaneku's business, he served as the mayor of his hometown, Yoshino Village and continued to contribute to the development of the town.
Kaneku will be able to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024. As of today, Kaneku has been able to grow thanks to all of you who have enjoyed the Japanese food culture and wasabi all over the world.
Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone. It has been a century since Kaneku's founder began cultivating wasabi. As globalization progresses rapidly, the world's need for Japanese food culture such as sushi and soba has increased dramatically.
The technology and powerful distribution are interrelated, and as it has been said that the world is still the process of major changes.
However, some things remain the same. Kaneku's commitment to manufacturing products that are safe, secure, and high-quality, and “MAGOKORO”.
In addition, pure natural water is essential for wasabi cultivation.
Please enjoy the meal with wasabi from Kaneku.
Kaneku will continue to make every effort to preserve and maintain an environment where wasabi can grow healthily.
We are committed to providing valuable products for people all over the world to become familiar with Japanese food culture through wasabi.
Mr. Saichi Iwata and his wife Mrs. Shizu Iwata started
cultivating wasabi in Okutama vally on a commercial scale.
A flagship store was opened for producing “wasabi pickle”
on a mass scale.
Iwata store became the command centre for Mr. Iwata’s exciting new
business venture ‘Iwata Shouten Corporation’.
A new line of quality wasabi powder has been launched.
Mr. Iwata’s booming business, Iwata Shouten Corporation,
moved into a new, larger factory at current address
‘3-866 Hinatawada Oume city’.
The Japanese Cooking Federation recommends Kaneku wasabi
as a preferred product.
Iwasa Shouten Corporation re-branded
to become Kaneku Corporation.
Tokyo factory receives an award for excellence in food hygiene standards.
An exciting new era, in company’s history,
was brought into being when the current factory was opened for business.
Ume product was recomended
by Tokyo Tourism Federation.
Tadashi Iwata, the eldest son of founder, took office as the second president.
Midori Iwata, the eldest daughter of founder,
took office as the third president.
Started business operation at the new head office in Tokyo.
‘505 Fresh Grated Wasabi’ has been launched.
A partnership between Eishou Co.,Ltd, Yuasa corporation in Liaoning,
China, and Kaneku was formed.
Started to produce wasabi paste for Chinese retail market.
Received a prestigious award for ‘Kizami nama yuzu’.
Received a prestigious award for ‘Wasa buono’.
Midori Iwata ,president, received a Yellow Ribbon prize.
Masayuki Iwata took office as the fourth president.
Received a prestigious award for ‘Shaki shaki wasabi’.
Received a prestigious award for ‘Shaki shaki shouga’.
Started FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management.
Kaneku Oita Co., Ltd. has been selected as a "Regional Future Driving
Company" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Kaneku received the "Heisei Food Industry Contribution Award"
established by the Japan Food Newspaper Company and
supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
