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Shotengai’s Journey of Taste and Tradition

A longing for authentic tastes and diverse Asian markets led Stella Chao and her friends on a quest for genuine flavors reminiscent of home. Amid the expansive culinary tapestry of North America, Stella and her friends identified a longing for the authentic tastes of their homelands. And though many Asian markets are to be found across Montreal, Stella and her friends found that they often lacked diversity, offering limited choices with premium price tags and rarely refreshed product lines.

This vision births a new brand, “Shotengai” — a gateway to a holistic Japanese lifestyle. Stella’s study-abroad experiences in Japan’s vibrant shotengai (local Japanese street markets) sparked a vision to bring the essence of these bustling markets to North America. 

“The shotengai is more than a market; it was my first step into the wholesome heart of Japan, and this very essence is what we, as a brand, aim to embody: to be your gateway to a healthy Japanese lifestyle. It’s an invitation to all, a gentle nod to the beauty of blending cultures,” says Stella.

Experience Authentic Japanese Delights 

Offering a monthly passage into Japan’s culinary wonders and traditions, Shotengai encapsulates the heart and soul of the country’s diverse flavors and cultural treasures. Each month, subscribers are treated to a meticulously curated box revolving around a distinctive theme that spotlights exclusive Japanese snacks, beverages, and more. 

An advocate for the preservation of tradition, Shotengai’s subscription boxes provide an online shopping avenue for remarkable products from age-old Japanese workshops. Through the website, patrons can peruse exceptional offerings from century-old workshops that exemplify Japanese traditional culture and their simplistic and eco-friendly way of life.

Shotengai champions the cause of safeguarding Japanese heritage while fostering the global appreciation of wholesome, genuine cuisine. Employing a discerning eye, the brand selects premium, eco-conscious, and nourishing snacks that echo Japan’s reverence for natural ingredients and minimal additives. 

Stella Chao and Naoki Inoue

Giving Back to the Community

In recognition of devoted subscribers, Shotengai has introduced “Garagara,” a rewards program that blossoms as the subscription endures. Patrons can enjoy more rewards with the Gargara program the longer they choose to stay subscribed. 

The visionary team behind this start-up emphasizes, “By aligning with Shotengai, patrons don’t just receive snacks; they champion cherished establishments and join a movement dedicated to preserving Japan’s cultural legacy.“

As a reflection of their commitment to making a meaningful difference and upholding Japan’s cultural heritage, Shotengai pledges a portion of profits from each new subscriber to struggling shop owners in small towns of Japan. The brand further aims to spotlight the unique stories of these vendors through Shotengai’s platform by providing promotional support and featuring them on the website. 

Making Use of the “Mottainai” 

The Japanese concept of “mottainai,” emphasizes avoiding wastefulness and making the most of available resources. Shotengai champions this cause by introducing the “What a Waste Theory” into their brand philosophy. Through this initiative, the Shotengai team aims to make use of food scraps and reduce environmental wastage while promoting sustainability in the food industry. 

Naoki Inoue, a co-founder of the Shotengai brand, personally overlooks their Mottainai project in Japan, wherein the Shotengai team has partnered up with local food producers and manufacturers to make the most out of agricultural leftovers and byproducts to reduce food wastage. 

Hence, Shotengai has come up with the Nishiki Box – a journey of taste that not only tantalizes the palate but also honors the essence of sustainability. For instance, black soybean tea, crafted from cracked beans that undergo a natural roasting process. While these cracked beans might have been disregarded by others, Shotengai seizes their unique flavors and health benefits to create a captivating tea experience while utilizing perfectly good food resources that would otherwise end up in landfills. 

The horsetail plant, commonly regarded as a nuisance, would often be discarded by farmers; however, Naoki and the Shotengai team have discovered this plant’s immense health benefits. With enhanced immunity and bowel regulation being just some of them, Shotengai has now made use of this often discarded agricultural product to craft loose tea. 

Conclusion 

Through their monthly subscription snack boxes, Shotengai offers its patrons the unique opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey that encapsulates the essence of Japan through flavors, culture, and unity. 

This unique snacking experience allows individuals to indulge in authentic Japanese treats while supporting the preservation of the country’s rich heritage.

For further details, please use the contact information below to get in touch with Shotengai. 

Media Contact
Company Name: Shotengai
Contact Person: Lucy
Email: Send Email
Country: Japan
Website: https://shotengai.com/