Interview with the project representatives
What is the “Kurashiki Kojima Salt Knot Project” all about? We spoke with Hayata Tomoyuki of Shimotsui Electric Railway, which is driving the project, and Komatsubara Tatsuya of the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Given the history and current state of the salt-making industry in Kojima, please explain specifically why this project was launched and what its background and aims are.
Komatsubara (surname only)
It began with a discussion about how to enliven Konokoike Service Area (both inbound and outbound), the only service area in Kurashiki City.
Konokoike Service Area is operated by Shimotsui Electric Railway, and it could be said that the project began there.
Hayata (surname only)
Konokoike Service Area is the only service area in Kurashiki City, but nearby are relatively well-known areas such as Yoshima Parking Area, Kibi Service Area, and Fukuyama Service Area. The challenge was how to differentiate ourselves among them.
I think service areas also serve as gateways to the places where they are located. We wondered whether we could promote something unique to Kojima as a service area in Kojima. Looking to its history of prosperity from salt fields, we decided to make “salt” our theme.
When did the planning begin?
Komatsubara
The project was first conceived when fewer people were visiting Konokoike Service Area on the Seto-Chuo Expressway due to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The project was launched on January 11, 2024.
Hayata
On January 11, 1568, Takeda Shingen received salt from Uesugi Kenshin. This is the origin of “Salt Day,” and we held the launch ceremony at the Former Nozaki Residence. So the project has been underway for a little over a year. (As of March 2025)
Please tell us about “Salt from the Nozaki Family, the Salt Field Kings,” which could be called the heart of the project.
Hayata
During the Edo period, salt fields in Kojima developed under the leadership of Nozaki Buzaemon. He was known as the “Salt Field King of Japan,” which is where the name “Salt from the Nozaki Family, the Salt Field Kings” comes from.
This salt has three main features.
First, with the cooperation of Naikai Salt Industries, headquartered in Kojima, it is made using only seawater from Okayama.
Second, minerals (nigari, or bittern) lost during the salt-making process are added back, making it richer in minerals than ordinary table salt.
Third, in the hope of bringing “good connections (salt),” as expressed in the project’s name, the salt is blessed at Shiogama Shrine before being shipped.
How exactly is “Salt from the Nozaki Family, the Salt Field Kings” being used?
Komatsubara
We are using the “salt” to develop original products in collaboration with local Japanese and Western confectionery shops. The lineup includes not only gourmet products, but also G-Panda’s “eye pillow” and “good-luck knot (salt) charms” made from denim.
We also plan to develop sweets using “Nozaki Family salt” in the future.
We have also planned “Kojima Salt Ramen” as a new local specialty that makes good use of the salt, with local restaurants using it as well.
Hayata
Shimotsui Electric Railway is deeply involved in product development, and getting products onto store shelves is important for raising awareness. That makes collaboration with the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry essential.
Local shops and souvenir stores at accommodation facilities have also cooperated with us, and not one has ever turned us down. They have even been actively selling the products, which makes me feel the strength of their love for their community and makes me very happy.
We are also working with Naikai Salt Industries on salt production. Shimotsui Electric Railway, the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Naikai Salt Industries are working together to advance the project while maintaining a balance.
Komatsubara
Many young people do not know that Kojima once flourished as a “town of salt,” so we are also planning various events to help people learn about local history.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Hayata
Above all, we would like local people to be the first to use “Salt from the Nozaki Family, the Salt Field Kings.” As a specialty originating in Kojima, it is not only a souvenir representing Kurashiki; salt is also essential to everyday life. We would be delighted if you tried it and experienced its qualities for yourself.
Komatsubara
I think many children do not know the history of salt, so I hope they will learn about Kojima’s salt-making history through this project and pass it on to future generations.
From the Writer
There are many histories connected with salt around the world.
The word “salary” comes from the Latin “salarium,” and is linked to a time when salt was treated as a valuable commodity and given as payment for labor. This shows just how essential salt is to human beings.
Kojima was once home to the “Salt Field Kings” of the Seto Inland Sea. Rather than leaving this history as a mere relic of the past, reviving it in a new form as a source of local pride allows Kojima to continue sharing its appeal with the future.
The Kurashiki Kojima Salt Knot Project weaves together Kojima’s past and future, businesses, and people through salt, creating new connections (salt). We look forward to seeing what comes next.
Kojima Salt Knot Project Information
| Name | Kojima Salt Knot Project |
|---|---|
| Address | Kurashiki Kojima Salt Knot Project Executive Committee, inside the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| Contact | 086-472-4450 |
| Website | Kurashiki Kojima Salt Knot Project |
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