November 14, 2024
Saki Wada and Ayaka Tsuchiya
”Build a stone wall with Konnyaku.” This is a Japanese proverb that means doing impossible things. Who could imagine that a stone wall could be built with something as slimy as Konnyaku? Actually, Konnyaku is a Japanese traditional food that is tasteless. Even though there is big potential in Konnyaku. Here is the article about “the possibility of Konnyaku”.
What is Konnyaku?
Konnyaku is a very famous food in Japan, but it is not popular in other countries. Konnyaku is made from a Konnyaku potato plant and has a unique jelly texture. It contains mostly moisture and is very low in calories. Konnyaku offers plenty of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and controls the sudden sugar rises. Not only for its nutritional benefits, it is also cooked as a substitute for sashimi, simmered dishes, and noodles that are loved by all generations in Japan, from adults to children.
The Miracle That Konnyaku Could Happen
Surprisingly, Konnyaku has recently begun to become popular abroad as the name “Konjac.” These translucent Japanese noodles are made from Konnyaku potatoes, and various recipes have been introduced as a standard diet ingredient. Shirataki has been dubbed the “miracle noodle.” Harada Foods was a pioneer in creating the Shirataki ramen boom overseas, where the ramen boom was originally taking place. The shape of the shirataki made it easy to eat with soup, expanding sales channels and attracting attention overseas, where the shirataki ramen boom was taking place. Shirataki ramen attracted attention because it was lighter and easier to eat than the more stodgy ramen.
Potential of the Konnyaku business
Konnyaku Park in the town of Amaraku, Gunma Prefecture, is a business example in making Konnyaku the star of the dining table. It is visited by one million people a year, equivalent to the number of people who pass through the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in two days. Konnyaku has been in the shadows because it is not as frequently eaten as meat or fish, which could be a main dish, and it is not very popular with foreigners and children because of its unpopular appearance and texture. Konnyaku Park set the target customer groups (inbound visitors and families) who do not prefer these foods. The unique value proposition of this facility is that admission and parking are free. Then, visitors can experience free Konnyaku buffets, factory tours, cooking classes, and other activities. Furthermore, there is also an amusement park, a footbath, and a shrine. The extensive array of free services may give the impression that the company will not be able to attract funds, but Konnyaku can be produced at a reasonable cost and the factory and store are in the same location, so there are no supply chain costs required. In addition, the hands-on service makes customers want to buy Konnyaku-related souvenirs, which in turn generates revenue for the company. These accumulated innovations have made Konnyaku the main character of the show.
Nobody would consider Konnyaku to be a star in this food world. However, Konnyaku Park has succeeded in business by believing in its potential.
Konnyaku could build a stone wall in this world.
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