It is a relatively unknown fact that Japan as a very rich nature, and a deep culture when it comes to Natural water. The country is fortunate to be rich with abundant sources of remarkable mineral and spring waters, naturally produced in outstanding environmental settings, such as forests (covering two thirds of the country’s entire land space) and sufficient rain and snow fall, distributed in four clearly distinctive seasons.
100 Remarkable Waters
In 1995, for the purpose of raising public awareness about natural water and nature conservation, the Japanese ministry of environment selected 100 water sources throughout the country and certified them. The selection criteria were not only limited to the water’s fine qualities and the preservation of the surrounding environment, but also on the historical and cultural background behind the sources. In 2008, the Ministry set out to find a new set of “100 Remarkable Waters”, and added another 100 water sources with waters of outstanding quality and/or distinct character.
Over one hundred bottled brands – From Natural Spring to Deep Sea
Not surprisingly, there are well over one hundred bottled water brands in Japan, their types ranging from natural mineral water, to deep sea waters. The Most popular of those catogories is the natural, mineral waters.. It should be noted, at the same time, that Japanese version of natural mineral water tend to be lower in TDS (Total Disolved Solids) than their european counterparts.
Despite a number of geochemical variations, many natural water circulation systems in Japan are typically “rapid”. Rain and snow fallen on steep mountains gush out after a relatively short life underground (i.e. less than 100 years).
As far as their taste is concerned, this peculiar system produces rather soft, pure and gentle waters which are low in minerals and match well with sensitive cuisines (including sushi and other Japanese specialties). white wines, sparkling wines and Sake. As an example of the refinement of Japanese table waters, Ensui, a brand from the Rice Uonuma region, in the Niigata prefecture, has been so highly received by European connoisseurs, that it was selected by many gastronomy professionals and is now served on board all Cunard Cruises (the operator of theQueen Elisabeth and the Queen Mary).
Hot Spring Waters – From Skin Treatement to Deoxidization
Japan’s volcanic geologic characteristics highlight another aspect of the country’s natural water: its more than three thousand natural hot spring sources. Most hot spring waters in Japan are dedicated to bathing purposes; many are also drunk for wellness or for their taste. Several hot spring waters in Kyushu (which are said to have certain de-oxidization effects due partially to their high pH degree) are bottled for commercial sale.
During the Meiji era (early 20th century), hot spring waters in Japan were attributed a number of medical characteristics. Many hot spring waters were scientifically analyzed and some were defined as medicines. The Post World War II era saw the abolishment of the medical classification of natural spring waters due to the advent of new, and different standards of health administration policies which did not allow spring waters to be labeled as medical products. Today, true hot spring lovers still know how to enjoy (both drink and bathe) good, hot spring waters, as this exceptional product remains deeply anchored in the Japanese culture.
Global Waters K.K.
Based in Japan, Global Waters K.K. is a water specialist distributor and consultant.
Global Waters exports Japanese water products to mainly business clients, but individual customers overseas can also order various products on-line including Japanese Mineral/Spring Waters and Japanese Natural Hot Spring Waters.
Takuya Horiuchi, Global Waters K.K. , tel: 81-(0)3-3827-3011 fax:81-(0)3-3827-3061
e-mail: t.horiuchi@mizuhiroba.jp
Individual customers can make enquiries or orders at either platform below.
http://www.mizuhiroba.jp/en/index2.html, http://search.borderless.rakuten.com/borderless/search.action?sid=mizuhiroba&l=en
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