Beppu taps into bamboo: culinary craft meets environmental care

BEPPU CRAFT revealed its commitment to forest rejuvenation through a novel initiative – turning the region’s untapped bamboo bounty into a delectable treat for both locals and tourists.

Bamboo, while celebrated in Asian culture for its versatility and symbolic resilience, poses a unique conundrum for Oita Prefecture. As of March 2022, the region is home to the country’s second-largest bamboo groves, accounting for a staggering 14,000 hectares, with Beppu City alone covering 821 hectares. Historically, bamboo crafts thrived in this region. However, societal shifts, including an aging population and the pervasive rise of plastic products, have resulted in large tracts of these groves lying neglected.

Chiori Kaku, the brainchild behind BEPPU CRAFT, looked past the overgrown thickets and saw opportunity. A fresh graduate from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Kaku conceptualized a project that not only addresses the environmental challenges but also offers a culinary treat: the BEPPU CRAFT MENMA.

With expert guidance from LOCAL BAMBOO Co., Ltd., a firm dedicated to rejuvenating neglected bamboo groves in Miyazaki Prefecture, BEPPU CRAFT’s new line offers snack aficionados flavors like ‘Cattleya Soy Sauce’ and an Oita-special ‘Yuzu Pepper.’ More than a mere snack, every bite speaks to the cultural and environmental narrative of Beppu.