Frequently asked questions

Questions TAKEHISA is asked most often by buyers outside Japan.

Final terms, specifications, sample availability, export conditions, documentation, and certifications must be confirmed with TAKEHISA before quotation or publication.

Products

What is the difference between donko and koushin?: Both come off the same logs. Donko has a thick cap and a firmer bite; koushin's cap is thinner and easier to work with.
How is dried shiitake dried?: After harvest it goes into a machine drier at 40 to 60 degrees Celsius (104 to 140°F) for about twenty hours. Growers handle the drying themselves and ship the dried product to market.
What is guanylate?: It is the umami compound created by drying shiitake. With glutamate from kelp and inosinate from bonito and dried sardine it makes up the three major umami compounds, and dried shiitake is the food that contains the most guanylate.
Is shiitake from any supplier the same?: TAKEHISA has spent more than ninety years on this crop and has inherited the judgment that comes with it. We know what each customer's specification actually requires, and the packing is something we are known for. The confidence we sell is in selecting quality at the right price.
Can we supply our own packaging?: Packaging and labels are limited to what TAKEHISA prepares. If the requirement is presentation for a gift line or more visible volume in the pack, tell us and we will work to it.
What is the shelf life?: One year from packing. Confirm the dates on your specific order when you place it.
Can TAKEHISA develop a processed shiitake product with us?: Yes. Alongside deep product knowledge, TAKEHISA runs its own store, which means regular direct contact with the people who cook with the product and proposals grounded in what they ask for.

Working with TAKEHISA from overseas

Do you work with overseas buyers?: Yes. Japanese log-grown dried shiitake has been well received by buyers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United States, and France, and TAKEHISA has a trading record with overseas customers.
What is the minimum order?: Case and pack configurations are listed on the products page as a starting point. Other configurations may be possible, and the minimum for an export order is agreed case by case. Ask.
How is freight handled?: Freight depends on the destination and is quoted with the order rather than published.
Are Organic JAS certified products available?: Yes, for certain lots, donko among them. Confirm certification status for your specific lot before you rely on it for labeling.
Can TAKEHISA provide export-related documentation?: Traceability support, Organic JAS status, certificates, labeling, export and import documentation, and delivery conditions vary by product and order, and are confirmed per inquiry. HACCP-based hygiene management, aligned with Codex HACCP principles, can be documented on request.
We do not know much about shiitake yet. Can we still talk?: Yes, and this is a normal way to start. TAKEHISA runs study sessions for buyers covering the crop from cultivation through tasting, either at the company or online.

Request a quote or samples

Tell us your market, business type, intended use, quantity range, and the documents you need. TAKEHISA will review your inquiry and confirm the available next steps.

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