Abira, Hokkaido, Nov. 2 (Jiji Press)–Oji Medical Plants Laboratory Co., a unit of Japanese paper manufacturer Oji Holdings Corp., is working to grow licorice, a medical plant used in Chinese herbal medicines, in the country. The laboratory, based in Nayoro, Hokkaido, northern Japan, has established a large-scale harvest system after trial and error. It aims to secure stable, high-quality supplies of the medical plant through domestic production. Licorice is effective for stopping coughs and reducing inflammation and is included in some 70 pct of Chinese herbal medicines sold in Japan, according to the company. Working also for moisturizing and as a seasoning, it can additionally be used for cosmetics and food items. Japan currently relies on imports including from China and Mongolia for most of its licorice supply as medical plant cultivation in the country has declined since World War II. But uncontrolled harvest there reduces resources, raising concerns that stable supply will be challenging. Oji Holdings launched licorice cultivation in Shimokawa, Hokkaido, in 2014, aiming to secure stable supply. There were repeated failures initially, however, due to a lack of established cultivation methods at large farms. After improvements in agricultural machines and fertilizers, its harvests started to get on track around 2021. The laboratory launched licorice cultivation in Abira, Hokkaido. It also started supplying its products to clients. During harvesting in Abira on Oct. 20, a tractor moved slowly forward to gather licorice roots. This year’s harvest will cover an estimated 7,000 square meters. Shigeru Sato, director of the laboratory, said: “This year’s crop is decent. We want to shorten the cultivation period, from three years to two years.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
