Maruya Shoten suspends miso production after earthquake damage

Maruya Shoten, a miso producer established in 1914, has suspended production following earthquake damage in Hinagu, Yatsushiro. The facility sustained significant structural damage, including cracks in the foundations of large steaming vats used for barley, rice, and soybeans, as well as damage to factory pillars and walls.

Dust contamination from collapsed earthen walls forced the disposal of miso currently in the koji fermentation process. Despite these setbacks, the fifth-generation owners, Hirotaka and Kaori Maruki, expressed a commitment to reconstruction, motivated by community support and social media messages from customers.

To maintain some level of availability, the business is collaborating with Iwanaga Shoyu in Ashikita to process undamaged miso into suri-miso, as the necessary production steps cannot currently be completed in Hinagu.