津軽の食文化の中で息づく 「伝統と革新」を伝える かねさ顆粒みそ体験館

"Tsugaru miso," produced in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, is characterized by its strong umami and deep richness, and because it is aged slowly in a cold climate, it has also been called "Tsugaru Three-Year Miso."
Based in the Namioka district of western Aomori City, Kanesa Co., Ltd. has been crafting quality-first Tsugaru miso, preserving history and tradition, for over 150 years since its founding in 1875. Furthermore, in 1978, the company developed granular miso (Paramiso), which retains the flavor and deliciousness of fresh miso while being easier to use and store. Kanesa's granular miso soup has received high praise globally, winning the Monde Selection Grand Gold Award and the Superior Taste Award from the iTQi (International Taste Institute).
Opened in September 2025 at the foot of Mount Bonju as a new factory aimed at ensuring a stable supply of rapidly growing granulated miso, the "Kanesa Granulated Miso Factory".
Born as the third production base following the "Bonju Factory," which produces traditional Tsugaru raw miso, and the "Paramiso Factory," which produces uniquely manufactured granulated miso, this new factory can produce 100 million servings of granulated miso, which is about double the conventional amount. And inside the new factory, the "Kanesa Granulated Miso Experience Hall," themed around granulated miso, has opened.

Kanesa's factories were once located in the center of Aomori City, but all three factories are now located near Mt. Bonju in Namioka. Representative Director and President Nobuyuki Akitaya explains the background behind building the factories in this location as follows: "Clean water is essential for making miso, and the water quality around here is particularly good. Our previous factory faced challenges such as surrounding residential development and restrictions on groundwater pumping, and when we were looking for a new location, we came across this land."
It is said that the "Kanesa Granulated Miso Factory" was originally planned to be built right behind the "Paramiso Factory," with a small tour space where business partners and supermarket representatives could take a quick peek. However, as plans progressed, the idea emerged of making it a facility where the general public could also tour the factory.
"At that time, we found out that a plot of land along the national highway right near the Paramiso factory was available, so we decided to change the construction site. Since it was in a more convenient location with better transportation and we could build on a larger plot of land than originally planned, we revised our plans to make it a facility where customers could enjoy factory tours and spend a relaxing time," said Mr. Akitaya.
NOMURA MEDIAS, a partner in creating the experience center, joined the project from the planning stage, conducting online meetings and repeated visits to Aomori to prepare.
NOMURA MEDIAS's Chief Planner Taiji Ishii said, "We decided to make 'Tradition and Innovation' the theme of the experience hall, representing Kanesa's 'tradition' of continuing to make Tsugaru miso as a long-established miso manufacturer, and the 'innovation' of granular miso that allows you to enjoy delicious miso soup just by adding hot water. We aimed to construct the facility's story so that this theme would be clearly conveyed to our customers." Creative Director Shin Takahashi also recalled, "We also re-studied miso making and Aomori's food culture and refined our plans. For our study of food culture, we conducted research at Aomori's markets and took many photos. We repeatedly communicated, including acting as a bridge to the factory construction company, to ensure the experience hall would be truly beneficial for Kanesa."

The Kanesa Granulated Miso Experience Hall was completed with the cooperation of various people.
Stepping into the facility, you are gently enveloped in the aroma of miso. Welcoming you at the entrance is an indigo-dyed noren-style tapestry. It was designed to evoke Mount Bonju, blessed with abundant water and pristine air.
This tapestry was designed by NOMURA MEDIAS Designer Hiromi Inoue.
"Out of a desire to use local products, it was dyed at a natural indigo dyeing factory in Tsugaru. I also went to the indigo dyeing factory and looked at various dyeing methods to consider what would be best to express the water of Mt. Bonju."
Going up to the second floor, visitors are greeted by an exhibition corner and a theater experience introducing the seasonal food culture of the Tsugaru region. Screened in the 48-seat theater room is the theme movie "Memories of Tsugaru," produced by Shishishi Co., Ltd. It was created specifically for this experience hall, capturing Tsugaru's rich nature and the lives of its people. Mr. Furuhata shares his sense of fulfillment, saying, "Some visitors come out of the theater in tears of emotion after watching the film. Although Tsugaru miso only briefly appears in the footage, I feel that it strongly conveys to our customers that we are making miso amidst this wonderful nature and tradition of Tsugaru."
Right outside the theater is the "Blessings of Tsugaru" corner, which exhibits the changing food culture of Tsugaru throughout the four seasons. Ishii explains: "I accompanied them on the theater video shoot and carefully checked the footage details, adjusting things so there would be no discrepancies between the video and the exhibits. Only by thoroughly telling the story of Tsugaru's food can Tsugaru miso be truly highlighted. We created this exhibition corner with the goal of serving as a bridge between the people and food of Tsugaru appearing in the theater video and the miso factory." She adds, "I'm also originally from Aomori, and Tsugaru's food culture is truly unique and fascinating. We had a professor who researches local cuisine at a university supervise the project, picking up Tsugaru ingredients and dishes comprehensively and presenting them in a spring, summer, autumn, and winter format."
Introducing various foods and dishes through exquisite food replicas, such as Tsugaru-style cherry blossom viewing bento boxes and delicious ways to eat apples, this has become a popular corner where many people stop and gaze for a long time.