Photo of salted menma Transforming neglected bamboo forests from "nuisances" to "local resources." Takejiro Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, CEO: Takahiro Koga) has completed the primary processing of domestically produced salted menma for fiscal year 2026. This year, approximately 60,000 young bamboo culms were harvested, producing about 125 tons of raw salted menma. While over 99% of menma sold in Japan are imported, we have established one of the largest supply systems in Japan for domestic menma production. This initiative not only addresses the worsening problem of neglected bamboo forests but also promotes the "Itoshima Model," a regional circular model that transforms bamboo from a "nuisance" into a "local resource." It is gaining attention nationwide as a new regional development approach that simultaneously achieves environmental conservation, regional industry revitalization, and improved food self-sufficiency. Fiscal Year 2026 Activity Results Largest primary processing in Japan completed in approximately 3 weeks From April 21 to May 11, 2026, we concentrated our efforts on harvesting and processing while monitoring bamboo growth over approximately three weeks. This large-scale collaborative project involved a total of about 500 participants, including local residents, producers, companies, students, and government officials. Group photo at the processing plant ■FY2026 Results Harvested Volume: Approximately 60,000 young bamboo culms harvested Production Volume: Approximately 125 tons of raw salted domestic menma produced Number of Participants: Approximately 500 people Managed Bamboo Forests: Approximately 240 ha Implementation Period: April 21, 2026 - May 11, 2026 Implementation Area: Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture (including some neighboring cities) This represents one of the largest processing scales for domestic menma production in Japan. Solving Neglected Bamboo Forests Through "Food" Neglected bamboo forests are a prob