Pineapple

2021/09/15

(From August 17 = Pineapple Day)

Yutaka Ueda

Chairman of Pine Co., Ltd. • 1972 Econ

Thanks to your support, our company has reached its 70th anniversary. Pine Ame was born in 1951, and through 70 years of history, it has continued to provide emotional healing when people put it in their mouths.

Pineapples and bananas were luxury items after the war. We utilized that hollow pineapple shape for candy and, while maintaining the essence through various improvements, have continued to this day.

Last year, a new factory dedicated to Pine Ame was completed and is now in operation to meet high demand.

"It's just candy, yet it's candy."

It is a mysterious candy.

Our company has a DNA that values a corporate culture of constant challenge, sudden inspiration, and creativity. If you believe in your own sensibilities and face challenges with courage, even if you fail, it is never a waste.

What we should always think about is:

"What can we do to solve some deficiency for our customers? Our company exists to provide that response."

It is no exaggeration to say this.

Shin Asaeda

Chairman of Sanda-kai (Japan-Taiwan Exchange Mita-kai) • 1978 Comm

When summer comes, I remember the sweet and delicious Taiwanese pineapples—even the core—that I often ate while stationed in Taiwan.

Pineapples are said to have been discovered by Columbus in the New World and spread throughout the world, but in Taiwan, it seems the modernization of the pineapple industry was advanced by the hands of Japanese people before the war.

Because pineapple leaves resemble the tail of the "Feng-huang" (phoenix), a bird of good omen, it is written as "Feng-li" as an auspicious fruit that brings good luck, and it is very popular in the fruit kingdom of Taiwan.

Earlier this year, when China—the largest importer—stopped importing Taiwanese pineapples against the backdrop of cross-strait tensions and Taiwan fell into a predicament, Japan reached out to help. A movement to support sales expansion spread within Japan, and voices of gratitude have risen from Taiwan. This event demonstrates the strong bond between Japan and Taiwan, which received significant support from Taiwan during the Great East Japan Earthquake. For members of Sanda-kai, many of whom have experience living in Taiwan as members of the Taiwan Mita-kai, it is a heartwarming feeling. Why not try a Taiwanese pineapple this summer, as they are now frequently seen in supermarkets?

Izumi Chibana

Researcher, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization • 1994 Policy • 1997 Law Master

Driving south from Manila for about an hour, you reach Laguna Province, where scenic views surrounded by lakes and mountains unfold. Because the provincial capital, San Pablo, is located at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the climate is relatively cool for the Philippines. The main tourist attraction is the hot springs, which are popular with locals, and I often visited when I wanted to spend a quiet weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Manila. Above all, my greatest pleasure was buying buko (coconut) pie and pineapple cake at a cake shop on the shores of Lake Laguna. The owner was a woman who went to work in Hong Kong, made a fortune, and returned home in glory; after building a house for her family, she opened her own shop. In the Philippines, which ranked 17th in the 2021 Global Gender Gap Report (by far 1st in Asia), there are many women who utilize their individuality and exercise initiative (by the way, Japan is 120th). The owner's handmade pineapple cakes, which utilize locally produced ingredients and are served while she briskly runs the shop with her family, are not only sweet and delicious but also full of warm encouragement and nourishment for those who receive them.

Yuka Honda

Project Associate Professor, Keio University Graduate School of Media and Governance

When it comes to representative tropical fruits, it's the pineapple. Often called "pine" for short, the pineapple is the brightest yellow fruit among chromatic colors, and many people likely feel bright and energetic just by looking at it. Also, based on a Japanese pun for "Pa(8)-i(1)-na(7)-pple," August 17 has been designated as "Pineapple Day." During the 2021 summer vacation in Japan, we cannot travel to tropical regions due to the influence of COVID-19, but I hope you can enjoy a tropical mood with pineapples. Furthermore, pineapples are a fruit rich in Vitamin C, which is responsible for antioxidant effects and collagen production; dietary fiber, which has a good effect on bowel movements; and glucosylceramide, which is said to have skin-beautifying effects. Recent research on continuous pineapple consumption (100g/day) suggested improvements in the intestinal environment and defecation status, as well as skin moisturizing, whitening, and wrinkle improvement effects. Pineapples make you feel energetic just by looking at them and can be expected to be an ally for health and beauty. Please enjoy some this summer to make your mind and body more energetic.