2024 Special Limited Edition Soy Sauce Tabletop Dispenser released in Europe
- Unique motif depicts sustainable symbiosis between the plum blossom (ume) and the Japanese white-eye bird (mejiro) -

March 8, 2024

Beginning in 2020, Kikkoman Trading Europe GmbH (KTE), the Kikkoman Group’s sales and marketing company in Europe, has annually debuted a Special Limited Edition Soy Sauce Tabletop Dispenser featuring unique motifs that celebrate various aspects of Japanese culture for certain regions of Europe. Marking its fifth Special Limited Edition, this year’s exclusively designed dispenser was inspired by cultural symbolism from Japanese mythology: the plum blossom (ume) and the Japanese white-eye bird (mejiro). Ume, said to bring good fortune, are admired for their ability to bloom in the cold of late winter, symbolizing perseverance and hope. The charming little mejiro has a special affinity for ume nectar, aiding in cross-pollination as it feeds, spilling nectar onto its feathers and beak, which the mejiro then transports while flittering from blossom to blossom, branch to branch, and tree to tree. This harmonious, sustainable symbiosis is depicted on the new Special Limited Edition Soy Sauce Tabletop Dispenser and elicits the philosophy of respect for the workings of nature held by Kikkoman since our founding.

Since its establishment in 1979, KTE has carried out a variety of regional sales activities, such as recipe development fused with local food cultures throughout Europe and store-front promotions, to communicate the deliciousness of Kikkoman Soy Sauce. These Special Limited Edition Soy Sauce Tabletop Dispensers are part of marketing activities aimed at increasing consumer familiarity with and deepening understanding of the Kikkoman brand. To help current and new consumers gain culinary familiarity with our all-purpose seasoning, KTE's website publishes a wide range of recipes using Kikkoman Soy Sauce to propose new deliciousness.

Kikkoman will continue business activities deeply-rooted in each region worldwide, aiming at local market penetration of the Kikkoman brand.

Related Link

Ume and Mejiro Design Special Limited Edition Soy Sauce Tabletop Dispenser Webpage, Kikkoman Trading Europe GmbH (KTE) 

https://www.kikkoman.eu/special-limited-edition-2024

Reference
Previous Special Limited Edition Soy Sauce Tabletop Dispensers released by KTE (no longer available)

The 2020 Edition	The 2021 Edition
Two particularly beautiful iconic emblems of Japan: sakura, the cherry blossom, represents beauty, new beginnings and transience. Mount Fuji, at 3,776 meters, is Japan’s highest mountain and considered a sacred national symbol.	Health and Longevity: tsuru, the crane, is not only a typical bird of Japan but also an important symbol. Similarly, matsu, the pine tree is significant in Japanese culture. Both are considered sources of luck and strength.
The 2022 Edition	The 2023 Edition
Shared happiness: the Japanese koi and the lotus flower represent prosperity, happiness, health and strength. The proximity of these two symbols on the dispenser signifies coming together at the table, sharing a meal, and family unity.	Enjoyment brings people together: the dark red foliage of the Japanese Momiji maple tree displays its full splendor in autumn. These trees, typical in Japan, transform the country into a beautiful fall landscape for a few weeks every year. The round moon is a metaphor for harmony, and the golden bridge symbolizes the connection of cultures, people and flavors.