History of DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO
The founder, Seitaro Doi’s
passion towards "Ohara" and "Shibazuke",
Seitaro Doi, the founder of DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO was a so-called “man of all trades” in the beginning. He sold various products and lumber, and then in the Taisho era, he started making and selling “Shibazuke”, a type of pickle that was rooted in Ohara since ancient times.
“Shibazuke” is traditional food that was nurtured by local climate and culture of local villagers of Ohara. It is said that in the 12th century, Kenreimonin named the eggplant and red perilla pickles "Shibazuke" (purple-colored pickles).
Seitaro had a strong desire to share this historic and tasty food, “Shibazuke” with many people. Although he faced technical and financial difficulties, Seitaro turned his plan into results with his foresight and unremitting energy.
The name of DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO’s “Shibazuke” has a Japanese character
“志” (meaning will, aim, intention, etc.). This name can be interpreted as “preserving our will”. We can surmise Seitaro’s strong passion toward Ohara and “Shibazuke”.
In addition, Seitaro Doi wrote down moral teachings in a densho (a book of secrets) to ensure that his business will continue to flourish for future generations. The Densho contains not only autobiographical records, but also messages about how a business should be and how one should live. DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO continues its operation based on the teachings of this densho. It can be the cornerstone of our lives today; when in doubt, we can go back to the basics by referring to the densho.
“Shibazuke” was nurtured by the villagers of Ohara and introduced to the public by Seitaro Doi. This is how the history of DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO was started.
Seitaro Doi, Founder
Shuntaro Doi, Second owner
Seiichiro Doi, Third owner
Takao Doi, Fourth owner
Traditions and ideas passed down over a long period of time,
creating new “shapes” suited to the times.
Inheriting the ideas of the founder, Seitaro Doi, the second-generation owner, Shuntaro Doi, was committed to increase the number of shop locations. Seiichiro Doi, the third-generation owner, worked on the development of vacuum packaging and automated capping machines. Each generation of the owners combined tradition with innovation and made changes appropriate to the times.
The vacuum pack, developed during the Seiichiro Doi era, was an epoch-making technology that overcame challenges of sealing the smell and prolonging shelf life.
Some customers were concerned about the smell when taking public transportation from Kyoto to their home. There were also some requests to make “Shibazuke” last longer so that they could be used as souvenirs. To answer to these requests, we introduced vacuum-heat treatment and vacuum-packaging process using an automated capping machine with the support of packaging manufacturers.
It is important to incorporate advanced technology, but Seitaro Doi's legacy contains an important message: " Consistency is the key to any success." Advanced technology should be used to deliver the traditions that have been preserved for a long time. Because the owners in the past kept consistency and humility, our business has been able to achieve steady growth.
The generations of owners of DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO did not live very long. The predecessor could not work with the next generation for a long time. Thus, Seitaro Doi's densho played a critical role to pass down the teachings.
Automated capping machine, developed in-house
DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO’s "Shibazuke" is available at many locations: Kyoto Main Store in Ohara, direct management stores, and major department stores nationwide.
Now, DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO's "Shibazuke" can be purchased at the main store in Ohara, directly managed stores throughout Kyoto, and major department stores nationwide.
Face-to-face sales are conducted at the main store and each branch to directly interact with customers to share the ways to enjoy "Shibazuke" and to get customer feedback.
We also operate a restaurant "Kamado-Takitategohan-Doi" where you can experience new ways to enjoy "Shibazuke". We hope that more people will become familiar with “Shibazuke” and enjoy it in a more casual way.
From the Heisei era to the Reiwa era, changes can be seen in the people who come to Kyoto. While the number of domestic visitors is decreasing, the number of visitors from overseas is increasing. We are searching for a new way to introduce "Shibazuke" suitable for such times. For those who come to tourist spots such as Sanzen-in Temple, the purpose is to "Visit Ohara". In the future, we will aim to provide value that will make people think that coming to DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO is also their purpose of the trip.
We appreciate the land of Ohara and pursue what only we can do here.
Contributing to the growth of Ohara is the passion passed down to us by the founder, Seitaro Doi.
DOI SHIBAZUKE HONPO will continue to deliver the fine food culture of "Shibazuke".
