In November 2020, students in the Business Studies Department at Washu High School, who focus on ingredients from their hometown of Kojima, developed a new collaborative product—their fourth.
Remarkably, an article in “Kurashiki Tocotoco” led to a new partnership!
The collaboration brought together Kojima bakery Boulangerie Bleu ciel (Boulangerie Bleu Ciel) and figs grown exclusively in Kojima.
In this article, we, students in the Business Studies Department at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Washu Senior High School, introduce “fig bread,” made with figs from Kojima, which were matched with a business previously.
This article was contributed by students in the Business Studies Department at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Washu Senior High School. The editorial team at Haretoco General Incorporated Association edited and published it.
The information in this article was current when it was published in January 2021. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Kojimatching” Project?
The Business Studies Department and Business Research Club at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Washu Senior High School run an initiative called the “Kojimatching” Project. It matches (combines) products already found in the Kojima area to create new value.
The first product was “fig gelato,” a dessert made exclusively in Kojima. It was sold for a limited period of about one month from September 2020 and sold well.
The second product, “Strawberry Daifuku Gelato—Sort Of?,” was created through a partnership with Kojima’s long-established Japanese and Western confectionery shop, Fubido.
As of January 2021, it is still selling very well.
The third product, “Brazilian Coffee Gelato,” created in collaboration with the “Meikyoku Kissa Toki no Kairo” café, is also selling very well!
- First: “fig gelato”
- Second: “Strawberry Daifuku Gelato—Sort Of?”
- Third: “Brazilian Coffee Gelato”
Boulangerie Bleu ciel (Boulangerie Bleu Ciel)
Boulangerie Bleu ciel, located at 1-chome Kojima Ekimae, Kurashiki City, opened in January 2014.
The owner, Yoshiko Ishii, who had previously worked at a bakery outside Okayama Prefecture, returned to her hometown and opened the shop.
Its popular breads are made with domestic wheat and have a simple, rich flavor.
At the time of our interview (November 2020), orders were being taken online. For the latest sales information, please check the shop’s Facebook page.
Did they meet through “Kurashiki Tocotoco”?!
An article about “fig gelato” featured on “Kurashiki Tocotoco” was the spark that brought about the partnership.
Ishii, who runs Boulangerie Bleu ciel near Kojima Station in Kurashiki City, was interested and tried making a prototype of “fig bread” using figs from Kojima.
The figs used were no longer considered marketable and could not be sold.
Using produce that is no longer marketable supports not only local production for local consumption, but also addresses the problem of food waste.
And because the figs are grown in Kojima by producers whose faces we know, we can eat them with confidence.
The dough is made by hand-kneading and using homemade starter.
The figs were dried for 10 hours in a food dehydrator set to 60 degrees, turning them into dried figs.
And here it is, fresh from the oven.
A delicious, firm loaf of what’s known as hard bread was ready!
The shop filled with a delicious aroma…!
Just look at this cross-section!
A little wine, dried figs, and walnuts add a touch of flavor.
Freshly baked bread is delicious, but they recommend letting it rest a little before eating.
We were told it would taste even better after resting, so we had to wait while surrounded by its aroma (laughs).
And then, at last, the moment arrived…
Look at that expression! No more words are needed (laughs).
Since figs are seasonal, the bread will be available for a limited time from around September 2021.
Anyone lucky enough to come across this product will be happy indeed.
Be sure to savor some fig bread!
From the Writer
The “Kojimatching” Project has reached its fourth installment, and another new product, “fig bread,” has been created.
There are still many more ingredients in the Kojima area, so we hope to create even more partnerships.
And in fact, work on the fifth product is already underway!
Stay tuned!
Recruiting participants for the “Kojimatching” Project
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to attract tourists from far away.
So, with “micro-tourism” as our theme, we are considering ways to help local people discover what makes their hometown special.
The Kojima area has a wide variety of specialty products. By matching them effectively, could we create new value?
We, the students in the Business Studies Department at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Washu Senior High School, want to act as the bridge between them and learn about real-world business.
If you are interested, please contact Washu High School.
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