To sustain an affluent life in Toshima
we strive to sustainably develop the Camellia Japonica industry.
Contribution to SDGs
"SDGs" refer to the Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted at the United Nations summit in 2015. As an island that has worked to achieve a sustainable Camellia Japonica industry with success, we fully agree with and understand the concept of SDGs. In addition to traceable production management and acquisitions of Organic JAS and COSMOS certifications of the oils we have been promoting, we will adopt new methods in product manufacturing and other initiatives to contribute to a more sustainable society.
Planting young trees for the future of Toshima
In response to the growing number of aging camellia trees, we are cultivating new seedlings for replanting stock. Until recently, the selection of mother trees for rootstocks fully relied on local farmer knowledge. However, through the digitization and sharing of data from the rootstock trees in the past, we aim to grow higher quality camellias that will support the future of Toshima.
Traceability for all Camellia Japonica seed oils
With the support of a map that enables us to identify Camellia tree plantation areas and the growers, we record rends on harvest amounts, production performance, and weather conditions in respective areas.
Honing in on the potential of Camellia Japonica
Beyond a sole focus on the seeds of Camellia Japonica which are used to produce oil, we are also conducting research on other parts of the tree, including flowers and leaves, to explore new potential uses. Flowers are now being used to produce yeast to bake bread, parts of the tree trunks are being manufactured into hair combs, and residual deposits from the oil are being converted into fertilizer. We are also researching potential uses for the extracts from the leaves.
Welcoming new partners to take the industry into the future
As a measure in response to the rising average age of Camellia Japonica tree growers and the decreasing number of successors, we promote U/I turns* and offer a working holiday program that allows people to come experience what it's like to work in the Camellia Japonica industry as well as life on the island.
*U/I turn refers to movement of people across the country
Adopting containers and packaging that protect the environment and the product
"Kamiyotsubaki" takes an uncompromising approach to its packaging as well. All packaging materials, from PET bottles to aluminum caps to paper boxes, are recyclable. Product inventory is kept to a minimum to avoid losses and raw materials are stored in containers that are ideal for long-term preservation that can be delivered as is.
"Toshima's Camellia Japonica seed oil"
In order for "Toshima's Camellia Japonica seed oil" industry to grow sustainably, we are engaging consumers through sales events off the island, collaborating with other companies, and developing new products that combine both the oil and other special products of Toshima.
