June 4th marked an exciting day in the world of Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship—the announcement of the OMOTENASHI Selection 2024! This year, a record-high 150 recipients from all over Japan were honored, showcasing the spirit of omotenashi, the Japanese spirit of selfless hospitality and exquisite craftsmanship. The OMOTENASHI Selection is an annual event that honors businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond to create exceptional experiences and high-quality products. From artisanal crafts to innovative technologies, each award recipient reflects the heart and soul of Japanese culture and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
We hope you’re just as thrilled as we are to delve into some of these remarkable award winners and their outstanding contributions to Japanese culture and tradition. Join us as we explore the best of what Japan has to offer in the 2024 OMOTENASHI Selection!
NAGURI Santoku Knife: MURANOKAJIYA (Yamatani Industry Co.,Ltd.) – Photo Credits: muranokajiya.jp
Grand Gold Award
1. NAGURI Santoku knife: MURANOKAJIYA(Yamatani Industry Co.,Ltd.)
Excerpt of evaluation by foreign judges:
“A masterpiece proudly showcasing the craftsmanship of Tsubame-Sanjo, a hub of Japan’s leading metalworking techniques. Notable for its luxurious feel, with features such as handle design, the durability and sharpness of SLD steel, and the non-stick properties of pear skin finishing, it epitomizes excellence in user experience.”
2. Kikkomanhonten Goyougura: Kikkoman food products company
Excerpt of evaluation by foreign judges:
“Crafted using carefully selected domestic soybeans, wheat, and salt, this product undergoes months of fermentation and aging in cedar barrels to extract deep umami and sweetness. It embodies the pinnacle of soy sauce craftsmanship, utilizing only the finest ingredients to create an unparalleled flavor experience.”
3. Ishikawa brand fruits jam: surrounding, inc.
Excerpt of evaluation by foreign judges:
“This special jam features three exceptionally rare fruits: vibrant “Ruby Roman,” elegant “Kaga Shizuku,” and well-balanced “Autumn Star Apple,” allowing you to savor the unique aroma of each fruit. It embodies the rich nature and culture of Ishikawa Prefecture.”
4. Junjo-Mai Iwate 3cubes of rice from Iwate: JUNJOUMI IWATE CO., LTD.
Excerpt of evaluation by foreign judges:
“Delivered in a 450g (approximately 3 cups) package, this includes three types of rice, including Iwate Prefecture’s original rice varieties “Golden Wind,” “Galactic Dew,” and “Kanfuda Mai Ichinose.” Perfect for taste testing comparisons.”
Excerpt of evaluation by foreign judges:
“Crafted through meticulous design and traditional craftsmanship, the Wood Glass is a masterpiece that prioritizes domestically sourced materials and Japanese manufacturing processes. Its distinctive feature is its ability to enhance the smoothness of alcoholic beverages while offering the pleasant aroma of Japanese cypress.”
Yukyu clock made with Kyo Karakami paper: Yamazaki Shoten Co., Ltd – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
Gold Award
6. (Nagasaki) ONTSUBAKI Moisture Care Set: NOSEYA (Nose Construction Co.)
7. (Kyoto) Shinku-Urushi Tumbler-KISSUL: COCOO LLC
8. (Akita) Akita cedar leaf Aroma spray: Atelier Andante
9. (Shiga) RE:WOOD「NAJIMU」RE:WOOD（Tsuchiyama Mokukyo Corporation）
10. (Tokyo) YOHAKU DRIP: Kikkoman food products company
11. (Mie) Stone ground isematcha: Isematcha Co., Ltd.
12. (Osaka) MAI story～The Story of Rice in Japan～: Kabushiki Kaisha MAISHOAN
13. (Wakayama) OUTDOORSPICE Horinishi: Mimona Co., Ltd
14. (Kyoto) Yukyu clock made with Kyo Karakami paper: Yamazaki Shoten Co., Ltd
15. (Tochigi) JEWELED PICKLES: OBANEYA Co., Ltd.
16. (Miyagi) Kimono Body-bag: obico
17. (Osaka) KITAO MATCHA: KITAO MATCHA(Kitao Cosmetics Co., Ltd.)
18. (Osaka) Platinum Nano Washi Towel: AOISHI Co., Ltd.
19. (Osaka) nerugoo Rechargeable Wireless Hot Eyemask: LULU Co., Ltd.
ISSO TEA ~Contemporary Organic Japanese Tea~: ISSO Corporation – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
20. (Chiba) Yaya‘s handiwork「bright future/earrings」: yaya no teshigoto
21. (Aichi) Separate Yukata: NIWAKO CO., LTD.
22. (Tokyo) ISSO TEA ~Contemporary Organic Japanese Tea~: SSO Corporation
23. (Tokyo) TABLEAU Edo Kiriko: Taburo Kobo Tableau Co., Ltd.
24. (Tokyo) TABLEAU Chokoku Glass: Taburo Kobo Tableau Co., Ltd.
25. (Tokyo) Hulled-sesame Oil: Kadoya Sesame Mills Inc.
26. (Tokyo) TABLEAU Edo Glass: Taburo Kobo Tableau Co., Ltd.
27. (Gunma) KINSEI SHOKUHIN TOKUSEN NAMA GYOZA SERIES: KINSEI SHOKUHIN Co., Ltd
28. (Kyoto) NIOCAN: DKS Co., Ltd.
29. (Nara) TABI WAGARA SERIES: KUWA MERIYASU co. Ltd
30. (Aichi) Thick and oily pork bone style ramen: Yamamotoseifun Co., Ltd.
31. (Chiba) The kingdom of Japanese pears (Premium fruit chocolate): VALSTACK Co., Ltd.
32. (Tokyo) 3minkimono「Let‘s make kimono 」: 3minkimono INC.
33. (Shiga) Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.: Nazuna Co., Ltd.
MOTOSUE Pudding: MOTOSUE LTD. – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
Consecutive Gold Awards
34. (Tokyo) TOROKERU FUTON® enifeaⅡ: D-BREATH CO., LTD.
35. (Kagoshima) Zaiho Premium Pudding: ZAIHO CO., LTD.
37. (Tokyo) fit it・balance support sole: HONSHU CO., LTD.
38. (Kyoto) MOTOSUE Pudding: MOTOSUE LTD.
Special Awards by Gold Partner
ANA Award
43. (Tokyo) koguMi Suitcase series UKU・priMo: koguMi (KURUKURU Co., Ltd)
Japan Post Online Shop Award
44. (Kumamoto) Amakusa Natural Salt Caramel Baum: BONGOUT lnc.
Omoya545 Bakery donuts-set: omoya545 Bakery (FLC design Co., Ltd.) – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
Special Awards by OMOTENASHI NIPPON Executive Committee
Sustainable Award
39. (Nagano) Yama-Biko-Basket: Mountain Craft sha., Ltd
42. (Shizuoka) Ultra Long 5X Toilet Paper: Marutomi Seishi Co., Ltd.
Originality Award
40. (Aichi) THE SCREW: DAITECH CO., LTD.
Global Award
41. (Okayama) omoya545 Bakery donuts-set: omoya545 Bakery (FLC design Co., Ltd.)
Necokeshi: katomokko – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
Regular Awards
45. (Tokyo) Carry stool: HIROSHO CO., LTD
46. (Saitama) paopao: ICHIKAWA Co., Ltd.
47. (Fukui) ASHIMOTTI: Luckyspread Inc.
48. (Osaka) asaluck: Kaynex, inc
49. (Tokyo) BIOAGEN OVAVITAL: TOKIRIN Co., Ltd
50. (Tokyo) BIOAGEN PYRROVITAL PRO: TOKIRIN Co., Ltd
51. (Fukuoka) Lactobacillus fermented soy milk: Agapefarm Co., Ltd.
53. (Tokyo) Cloth-wrapped Aged Ham made in the traditional way: ASAKUSA HAM CO., LTD.
54. (Ishikawa) Mosquito coil holder MIKADZUKI MINI: INAVANCE (INABA ENGINEER Co., Ltd.)
55. (Hiroshima) Canvas school bag “Ransack”: Saikobo Co., Ltd.
56. (Kyoto) Tajima Beef Beef Chirimen: Sanmikouan Co., Ltd.
57. (Osaka) KAGOME TOMATO BEAUTE: Nature Holdings Co., Ltd.
58. (Miyazaki) Miyazaki Beef Tegone Hamburger Steak: Nogami Foods Co., Ltd.
59. (Chiba) nemuli Personal Mattress: nemuli inc.
60. (Nara) Yamatomomen Soragocochi: FUJII Co., Ltd.
61. (Yamagata) Necokeshi: katomokko
62. (Chiba) THE PILLOW: MAKURA Inc.
63. (Iwate) and OHU: YAKUODO Co., Ltd.
64. (Kanagawa) Japanese Herbal Tea「Ohanacha」: MonoProgram Co.,Ltd.
65. (Tokyo) Belles Fleurs Tokyo RIN: Belles Fleurs Tokyo
66. (Shizuoka) Negitorobo (Minced tuna stick): Oriental Foods Co., Ltd.
67. (Hiroshima) Karamen (noodles made with chili peppers): Masuman Foods LLC
68. (Tokyo) EGRET Rechargeable Silent Wireless Mouse: EGRET（Business Harmony Co., Ltd）
69. (Toyama) Firefly Squid from Toyama Bay: Daiichi Foods Co., Ltd.
Natural Edge Bowl: ki-kiru atelier – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
70. (Osaka) ERASE Antibacterial and deodorant towels: Koushin CO., LTD
71. (Tokyo) Agaricus Mushroom SEN-SEI-RO: SSI Inc.
72. (Tokyo) SUUPY Dendou Hanasuiki: TOKIO Lab Co., Ltd.
73. (Okinawa) Marutama Tannafakuru: Marutama Co., Ltd
74. (Gifu) GURIPON professional: Keinan Clean Co., Ltd
75. (Hokkaido) JerseyBrown Jersey milk pudding: Tokachi Milky Llc
76. (Ishikawa) Seasoned rice cake inari for school lunch: KENKO FOODS CO., LTD.
77. (Aichi) Magic pick guard: Takahashi Kouondou
78. (Shiga) Omigyu Roast beef: Kanekichi Yamamoto Foods Co., LTD.
79. (Ishikawa) Koji 5 types set: Yoshiichi
80. (Hokkaido) Natural Edge Bowl: ki-kiru atelier
81. (Osaka) syunmebudousyusi iGS: merrymart Co., Ltd.
82. (Saitama) AVANT GARDE secondary combustion bonfire stand: AVANT-GARDE Co., Ltd
83. (Yamanashi) BIAL “Thick Ring & Bangle / Thin Ring & Bangle”: BISO co., ltd
84. (Shizuoka) UV PROTECT SERIES: CHANSON COSMETICS
85. (Osaka) “Ochimas”sponge: MARUZENKAKO CO., LTD.
86. (Tokyo) SEIMIN Relaxing Gel Mattress: GOKUMIN（KURUKURU Co., Ltd）
87. (Tokyo) NADYUP: Vie・magique Co., Ltd
88. (Ishikawa) YUIYU KYUKON: APLUS Co., Ltd.
89. (Kochi) ZAKUBIS: SANKANYA Kabushiki Kaisha
90. (Okayama) TAPG-03: Office HAT Inc.
91. (Shimane) Nodoguro ginger rice base: HIRANO KANZUME CORPORATION
92. (Shimane) Lake Shinji Shijimi Clam Large Grain: HIRANO KANZUME CORPORATION
93. (Shimane) Lake Shinji Shijimi Clam marinated in oil: HIRANO KANZUME CORPORATION
94. (Hyogo) Tajimafoodslabo Tajimagyuunokaoru gohanno otomoset: TAJIMAFOODSLABO LLC
95. (Gifu) Friends Roll: slow forms
96. (Osaka) Display Storage「comodino」: TAKENAKA MOKKO
97. (Miyagi) A5 Sendai Beef Highest Grade Special Sukiyaki in a Can: NIKUNO ITO(WIDEFOOD CO., Ltd)
98. (Fukui) hinna Water Absorbent Sanitary Shorts Daily: hinna (ELLEROSE CO., Ltd.)
99. TAIWAN n max n Genuine Leather Sleeve case “Fleeve” for laptop: NTTPON Co., Ltd.
WACHA Three Color Matcha: WACHA – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
100. (Tokyo) Kireini clean Pa!: miki industrial Co., Ltd.
101. (Miyagi) AZspread dry shampoo for pets: AZseed Japan Inc.
102. (Niigata) Matsumi Sangyo Sansai(Wild Vegetable) Series: Matsumi Sangyo Co., Ltd.
103. (Niigata) Matsumi Sangyo Ohitashi-Wasabina: Matsumi Sangyo Co., Ltd.
104. (Gifu) The Horuseye: A. GLOBAL Co., Ltd.
105. (Gifu) ZeusⅢ: A. GLOBAL Co., Ltd.
106. (Osaka) The Deaiwo 117 Hair Color Spray: Deaiwo Co., ltd.
107. (Osaka) Aika: JAPANITURE (WeDO Style Co., Ltd.)
108. (Kanagawa)WACHA Three Color Matcha: WACHA
109. (Okayama) HAKOBUNE: SUEMOKKO CO., LTD.
110. (Osaka) MAYUMI perfect serum: spirituelle beaute co. ltd
111. (Osaka) Natural Relieve Hair Tech Japan Co., Ltd.
112. (Shizuoka) Tasty Tuna Tail Meat: FUKUICHI FISHERY CO., LTD
113. (Saitama) NOZ TIMEPIECES Fragments of Time Oil Perfume: ALSERU Co., Ltd.
114. (Fukuoka) Aizu-style Wax Candle: Aizu-style Wax Candle Specialty Shop Ozawa Rosokuten
115. (Okinawa) Hirami lemon Cake: oHacorte（chewi-choak Co., Ltd.）
116. (Kanagawa) skyibis Magnet Arch hanger: skyibis ibis co.,Ltd.
117. (Gunma) Mon Conamon Rice Flour Gateau Chocolat: Mon Conamon
118. (Hokkaido) MOPET: monozukuri
119. (Aichi) explorica pen: explorica(TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSYO Co., Ltd.)
120. (Okayama) omoya545 Bakery donuts-set: omoya545 Bakery (FLC design Co., Ltd.)
121. (Tokyo) Scented portable air purifier “OiSHi”: ataraina (CREATIVE TRADING Co.)
122. (Tokushima) AMAZAKE PROTEIN: SHIKOKU AWA HASYA
123. (Tokyo) SUNSUN SPONGE & Sunseven HighR Solid Detergent: Dainichi Corporation
124. (Niigata) Sasagawanagarenosio Burnt Basque Cheesecake: Bit Co., Ltd.
Sudachi Aroma Essential Oil: IKEDA YAKUSOU Co., Ltd. – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
125. (Tokyo) Mieru Tsuyaku (Video communication interpretation services): Terilogy Serviceware
126. (Okayama) NICHIDO Co., Ltd.Arch handle cool bag: NICHIDO Co., Ltd.
127. (Tokushima) Sudachi aroma essential oil: IKEDA YAKUSOU Co., Ltd.
128. (Kyoto) YUGAHU STAMP: INKAN NO NISHINO ONLINE KOUBOU Co.,Ltd.
129. (Miyagi) BUTTER MONAKA: EISENDO Yugengaisya
130. (Tokyo) SUMIKA ratanto!series Washable cat tower「Myalta」: SUMIKA (TIRAMISU Co., Ltd.)
131. (Nara) Rakura ōganikkubinchoutan’nittopantsu: rakura marueiknit Co., Ltd.
132. (Tokyo) Wooden Fruits Cake Puzzle: besitos Co., Ltd.
133. (Tokyo) CAVA DE ORO ASIA Mini Bottle Collection: CAVA DE ORO ASIA Co., Ltd.
134. (Tokyo) brayzhang yakuzen sauce: showajisho co.,ltd brayzhang project
135. (Fukui) Unagikabayaki: Shioso Syoten Co., Ltd.
136. (Fukuoka) HAKKEIDO Enzyme Kimchi: Hakkeido.Co., Ltd.
137. (Osaka) ATEX LOURDES femontec ONKYU: Atex Co., Ltd.
138. (Hokkaido) FUGA Chair: Itsuki-Kobo Co., Ltd.
139. (Osaka) Washoku SATO 「SATO Shabu Beef&Pork Premium Course」: Washoku SATO
140. (Hokkaido) Beloved Wagyu Beef: Beloved Wagyu Beef（ENDO LIVESTOCK FARM）
141. (Saitama) Chichibu Resort HANANOYA: Chichibu Resort（Shibakikaku Ltd.）
142. (Okayama) SEA DRAGOON: UMINONAKAMICHI ATHLETIC PARK Co., Ltd.
143. (Osaka) table coordination: Le Reve Corporation Ltd
144. (Mie) MARUKINMARU Fishing Experience＆grilled or broiled in a salted pot＆Swim with
thousands of sea bream: MARUKINMARU Yuuei-suisan
145. (Tokyo) Premium Mentaiko Mochi Monja with Four Kinds of Cheese: TSUKISHIMAMEIBUTSU MONJA DARUMA (DARUMA Co., Ltd.)
Saunality Moisturizer: nature pods (Soltelas Co., Ltd.) – Photo Credits: OMOTENASHI Selection
Consecutive Awards
146. (Tokyo) Silk Aura® TAKUMI PREMIUM: D-BREATH CO., LTD.
147. (Kagoshima) Natural Alkaline Hot Spring Water, Zaiho Onsen: ZAIHO CO., LTD.
148. (Saitama) Specialty jumbo savory egg custard: Tonden Kabushiki Kaisha
149. (Kanagawa) saunality: nature pods (Soltelas Co., Ltd.)
150. (Yamaguchi) Tsukimichiru series: Green Heart Co., Ltd.
151. (Tokyo) Bb lab.: Bb. LABORATORIES INCORPORATED
152. (Osaka) DAIKEN Tatami Mat: DAIKEN CORPORATION
As we conclude our journey through the remarkable OMOTENASHI Selection of 2024, we hope you’ve been as inspired and captivated as we have. Each award recipient embodies the essence of Japanese hospitality and excellence, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication found throughout Japan. We encourage you to explore these products and services further, and to experience their innovative spirit firsthand!
Learn more about Omotenashi Selection in our interview!
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