Ajigen Co., Ltd.

Ajigen Co., Ltd. (有限会社味源) is a Japanese food manufacturer and wholesaler headquartered in Manno, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture. Founded in February 1994 by Kazushi Nishiyama in Kotohira, Kagawa, the company began as a tourism souvenir wholesaler with five members and later expanded into noodle and confectionery manufacturing. It is best known for its hit products including the "Ganso Kurogoma Kinako" (original black sesame kinako) series launched in 1999, the "Magic Powder that Makes Cup Ramen Delicious," and the next-generation chip brand SABACHi (サバチ), which ranked in Nikkei MJ's 2020 hit ranking. The company operates four business segments: food manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, and private label/OEM development. It runs its own online shop "Shizen no Yakata" (自然の館) on platforms such as Rakuten, Amazon, Yahoo! Shopping, and PayPay Mall. Ajigen has over 100 products under its own brand and has proposed more than 2,000 private label and OEM items. As of its 30th anniversary in February 2024, the company had grown to over 150 employees. It holds FSSC22000 certification (acquired July 2022) and has received numerous awards from Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, and other e-commerce platforms. The company emphasizes a corporate philosophy of "joy" (歓び) and aims to expand its market globally.

Ajigen was founded in February 1994 by Kazushi Nishiyama in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, as a tourism souvenir wholesaler with five members. The company initially started as a food manufacturer handling noodles and confectionery. In 1998, the headquarters was relocated to Manno, Kagawa, and a new factory was established. In 1999, the company launched 'Kurogoma Kinako' (black sesame kinako), which became a major hit. In 2003, it opened its directly managed store 'Shizen no Yakata' and also launched the online store 'Shizen no Yakata' on Rakuten Market, marking its first online venture. In 2004, it began accepting Chinese trainees. In 2007, it opened 'Shizen no Yakata' on Yahoo! Shopping. In 2008, Yasukazu Nishiyama, the eldest son of the founder, became representative director. Since then, the company has focused on product development, new market exploration, and internet sales, growing to over 130 employees. In 2009, a 500m² inventory warehouse and candy factory were built. In 2010, the site was expanded by 2,000m². In 2011, a 1,000m² materials warehouse was built. In 2013, a 2,100m² low-temperature warehouse was constructed. In 2014, the company obtained ISO9001:2008 certification. In 2015, it was certified as an organic JAS subdivider and opened a Tokyo sales office in Minato-ku. In 2017, a second manufacturing plant (1,610m²) was built. In 2018, it obtained ISO22000:2005 certification. In 2020, it began accepting Vietnamese trainees. In 2021, it acquired EQA HACCP (Type A) certification. In July 2022, it obtained FSSC22000 certification. In February 2024, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary, having grown to over 150 employees. The company has received numerous awards from e-commerce platforms, including Rakuten Shop of the Year awards and Yahoo! Shopping awards. It continues to develop hit products such as SABACHi and collaborate with brands like Moss Burger and Pietro.

• Founded in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture; started noodle and confectionery manufacturing.

• Headquarters relocated to Manno, Kagawa; new factory established.

• Launched 'Kurogoma Kinako' (black sesame kinako), a major hit.

• Opened directly managed store 'Shizen no Yakata' and launched online store on Rakuten Market.

• Began accepting Chinese trainees.

• Opened 'Shizen no Yakata' on Yahoo! Shopping.

• Yasukazu Nishiyama became representative director.

• Built 500m² inventory warehouse and candy factory.

• Expanded site by 2,000m².

• Built 1,000m² materials warehouse.

• Built 2,100m² low-temperature warehouse.

• Obtained ISO9001:2008 certification.

• Certified as organic JAS subdivider; opened Tokyo sales office in Minato-ku.

• Built second manufacturing plant (1,610m²).

• Obtained ISO22000:2005 certification.

• Began accepting Vietnamese trainees.

• Acquired EQA HACCP (Type A) certification.

• Obtained FSSC22000 certification.

• Celebrated 30th anniversary; grown to over 150 employees.

A Kagawa-based food manufacturer and wholesaler creating hit products and offering extensive PB/OEM services, with a focus on safety, quality, and e-commerce.

• SABACHi (サバチ)

  Next-generation chips made from mackerel, a hit product ranked in Nikkei MJ's 2020 hit ranking.

• TUNACHi (ツナチ)

  Tuna-based chips.

• Kurogoma Kinako (黒ごまきな粉)

  Original black sesame kinako series, a long-selling hit since 1999.

• Magic Powder that Makes Cup Ramen Delicious

  A seasoning powder to enhance cup ramen.

• Moss Burger Potato (Teriyaki Burger Rich Flavor)

  Collaboration snack with Moss Burger, released March 25, 2026.

• Pietro Vegetable Chips

  Collaboration with Pietro, released February 1, 2024.

1. 1有限会社 味源（あじげん）ajigen.com
2. 2企業情報│事業内容・部署紹介・工場案内│有限会社 味源（あじげん）ajigen.com
3. 3企業情報│ごあいさつ・会社概要・沿革│有限会社 味源（あじげん）ajigen.com
4. 4あじげん創立30周年 - 有限会社 味源（あじげん）ajigen.com
5. 5Ajigen Co. - Wikidatawikidata.org
6. 6味源 - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org