This rich, subtle, and smooth sesame oil does not overpower dishes through the soft flavour of white sesame, it is suitable as a raw ingredient as well as for heating, transforming dishes into masterpieces. The Yamada Sesame Oil company (Seiyu) (1934) located in Kyoto, is truly the top of its class, often referred to as the ‘sesame artisans,’ the company only has 36 full time employees at the time of writing - 11 of which makeup the cohort of master sesame craftsmen. The company is dedicated to preserving traditional methods of manufacturing passed down generations by its founder Yutaka Yamada (grandfather of the current president). Without any added ingredients, Yamada Seiyu goods are created from carefully chosen imported sesame or, less frequently, from sesame farmed domestically by Yamada Seiyu. The expert artisans of Yamada Seiyu meticulously process the seeds by hand, adhering to a traditional method of gently pressing adhering to principles of macrobiotics.

YAMADA SEIYU

Since the company’s beginnings, Yamada is committed to creating only the best products that serve people and society. The following are our founding principles:

1.     Do not use any additives and preservatives such as MSG

2.     Take all the necessary time and care to create the best products

3.     Make products with transparency and integrity

 The First Henko President

Following the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, Yutaka Yamada, the grandfather of the current president and the first henko president of Yamada Sesame Oil Manufacturing Company, relocated to Katsura, Kyoto. Yutaka started working as a driver for the recently founded Hankyu railway, which ran between Kyoto and Osaka. Although he enjoyed his profession as a train driver, his health gradually declined due to the demanding nature of the job. In his quest to restore his health, he came across Mr. Sakurazawa, the creator of the Macrobiotic Diet. Yutaka started eating a macrobiotic diet on Mr. Sakurazawa's recommendation, and he saw significant changes in his health. Mr. Sakurazawa, who was pleased with the outcome, advised Yutaka to focus on producing goods that benefit both individuals and society at large. In this manner, the first henko president started producing his renowned first pressed sesame oil. At first, Yutaka ground his own flour to make Japanese noodles like soba and udon in addition to making sesame oil. In order to provide safe and clean water for his rice, he also dug his own well and planted rice. Insofar as he was concerned with creating safe, chemical-free products that benefit people and society, Yutaka was a model citizen.

* Henko is the Japanese word for “stubborn” and perfectly captures the founder’s passion and uncompromising attitude in creating high-quality products.