Chapter 1: The Beginning of Our Family Business

Over 40 years ago, in the 1980s, my father launched a wholesale business in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, selling delicious umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) made by a long-established producer in Wakayama Prefecture. He branded them “Mimaki” and primarily sold them at department store events. The Japanese economy was thriving back then, so department stores were always bustling with people, and the umeboshi sold well, as my father recalls. From my middle school days, I was often called in to help as a sales assistant, and my father would praise me, saying, “You have a talent for sales.” Working alongside him remains a cherished memory for me.

Chapter 2: Passing the Baton from Father to Daughter

Eventually, Japan’s period of economic growth came to an end, and as the economy slowed, fewer people visited department stores. Yet, closing hours extended from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and eventually to 9 p.m., making for long hours of sales. As my parents grew older, it became more challenging for them to stand at the store for such long periods. When I suggested, “Maybe it’s time to take it easier?” my father replied, “I want to keep working.” The umeboshi he had sold for so many years was truly exceptional. It had supported our family, and he took great pride in it. Wanting to find a new way to continue with this umeboshi, I came up with the idea of mail-order sales, which wouldn’t require a physical storefront.

However, I felt that the existing packaging wouldn’t help us stand out or compete, so I decided to rebrand. I debated over the brand name, but ultimately, I kept the name “Mimaki,” which my father had created. He had combined the first syllables of our family’s names: Mitsue (my mother), Machiko (my sister), and Kyoko (myself). In carrying forward this name, I felt I was also carrying forward my father’s love for his family, and so, with “My Mimaki,” I set out on a new path.

Chapter 3: Expanding Overseas

In 2023, we launched the sale of umeboshi under the brand name "MIMAKI USA" in New York. We have been thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who have tasted our products.

Umeboshi, often referred to as "a plum a day keeps the doctor away," has been cherished in Japan for over 1,000 years as a staple for maintaining good health. While it is an everyday food in Japan, we hope to share this incredible product with people around the world.

Our journey into the international market has just begun, but we aim to introduce umeboshi not only as a delicious food but also as one with significant health benefits. We chose New York as our starting point to reach health-conscious New Yorkers and to introduce umeboshi to a wider audience across the United States. Looking ahead, we hope to expand nationwide and eventually bring umeboshi to Europe, where it would be wonderful to see it used in French cuisine and other dishes.