Our Remove IGCSE Business students recently had the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through the lens of food heritage, thanks to a hands-on workshop led by the team from Shimono 528—a long-established kojiya based in Hachimantai City.
Mr Motomiya, whose family has produced koji and miso for generations, shared how his business has evolved to meet the needs of a modern market while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. In 2022, he relaunched the enterprise as “Shimono 528” to showcase both time-honoured fermentation techniques and innovative local products.
Guided by Mr Motomiya, students prepared their own miso using rice koji, soybeans, and salt—ingredients that, with time and care, transform into one of Japan’s most iconic culinary staples. They also had the unique opportunity to bottle a batch of miso started by last year’s cohort, completing its year-long fermentation and taking home a meaningful, edible symbol of continuity and change.
We are deeply grateful to Mr Motomiya and the Shimono 528 team for bringing Iwate’s rich food culture to Harrow Appi and for demonstrating how a deep respect for tradition can inspire fresh ideas in the world of business.
