In Japan, one business owner is determined to keep the domestic charcoal industry alive, an industry that has experienced a significant drop in output in recent years.
According to industry data, domestic charcoal production has fallen sharply due to competition from cheaper imports and shifts in consumer behavior. However, some entrepreneurs are keeping the flame alive, viewing traditional Japanese charcoal as a cultural heritage worth preserving.
Mr. Takeshi Tanaka, owner of a charcoal-making facility in Wakayama Prefecture, said: "Japanese charcoal is of superior quality, especially oak charcoal, which is used in tea ceremonies and high-end cooking. If we lose this craft, we lose part of our cultural soul."
To counter the downturn, Mr. Tanaka has adopted modern production techniques and combined them with experiential tourism, inviting visitors to his kilns to learn about the intricate handmade process. His business also receives support from local authorities in finding niche markets.
Mr. Tanaka's efforts are seen as part of a broader movement to preserve traditional crafts in Japan, where many trades face the threat of extinction under the pressure of modernization.
