Perhaps not know by many, but Toyama Prefecture* is Oregon's sister state in Japan, and 2021 is the 30th anniversary of this SistermState relationship. Although Toyama is not visited as much by tourists as Tokyo and Kyoto, it deserves to be on the "must see" list of any visitor to Japan. Oregon is suitably paired with Toyama, due to the [...]
Recently, the Hokusei North America team received an inquiry about hazelnuts from a potential Japanese client. Although we knew that hazelnuts are grown in Oregon (and that they taste pretty good on salads). So in the process of working on this project, we learned a few interesting things about hazelnuts: Oregon accounts for nearly 100% of the U.S. hazelnut crop. [...]
Hokusei North America is kicking off the new year with another shipment of fruit purees from Oregon Fruit Products, for Japanese brewers. This will be the biggest shipment yet, consisting of 6 different puree types, the most popular being blackberry puree. The increased demand from Japanese brewers for Oregon Fruit Products’ fruit purees stems from awards garnered by Japanese beers [...]
After a very tough 2020, we finally made it to 2021 (phew). In the Eastern/Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. According to the zodiac, the ox represents hard work, positivity and honesty -- qualities which will be reflected by events, developments, and interactions in 2021. The Ox's traits are especially welcome, especially after a year when [...]
As 2020 comes to a close, Hokusei North America would like take time to extend its thanks and best wishes to our various business partners in the U.S., Japan, and Canada. This has been a trying year for nearly everyone, and it has been difficult to watch the struggles faced by organizations and people with whom we have worked. And, [...]
On November 20, Hokusei North America's CEO, Shotaro Tomita had the honor of introducing Jun Mokudai, Senior Advisor at Oregon's Japan Representative Office (JRO), to Toyama Prefecture's newly-elected Governor, Hachiro Niita. The introductory meeting took place at the Governor's Office in Toyama City and in addition to Msssrs. Niita, Mokudai, Tomita was attended by Toyoma Prefectural Government and Hokusei Products [...]
Recently, the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO), announced its Annual General Meeting event, to be held virtually on Dec 4, 2020. Although JASO hosts a number fascinating and educational programs throughout the year, this particular event stands out in that it will be paired with a bento box dinner featuring cuisine from Toyama Prefecture. As many people may not know, [...]
On November 1, the International Beer Cup (IBC), one of Japan's most prestigious beer competitions, announced its list of winners for 2020. Among the breweries receiving gold medals was Brewmin', a small brewery from Toyama, Oregon's sister prefecture (state) and location of Hokusei North America's parent company's home office. Strengthening the Brewmin' - Hokusei connection is the fact that [...]
During the summer, in conjunction with its partner Oregon Fruit Products (Salem, Ore.), Hokusei North America sent a shipment of fruit puree to Japan As these shelf-stable aseptic purees are highly valued by the craft brewing industry to make fruited beers, every customer of this last shipment was a Japanese craft beer brewery. One of those breweries is Uchu Brewing, [...]
Now that October is here, and the season has turned to Autumn, it's time for "leaf peepers" and other Fall foliage fans to seek out the best colors this time of year has to offer. Whereas the New England states are known to offer some of the best Autumn foliage in the country, Oregon too has its Fall beauty spots. [...]