徳島県·特産品
Kamikatsu Leaves (Tsumamono)
Kamikatsu Town is known throughout the country as 'the town that earns a living by selling leaves.' The project, in which the town's elderly residents harvest and ship 'tsumamono' (decorative leaves used to add color to dishes in fine dining restaurants), has garnered significant attention. With approximately 320 varieties handled, including autumn leaves, heavenly bamboo, and persimmon leaves, annual sales are said to have exceeded 200 million yen at their peak. Many of the workers are grandmothers in their 70s and older. Their lively way of working—analyzing market information using PCs and tablets—became a hot topic across Japan. This is a story of a mountain village struggling with depopulation that was transformed through wisdom and ingenuity. The leaves of Kamikatsu, which gently add color to cuisine, serve as a symbol of regional revitalization. Each tiny leaf is filled with the pride and smiles of the townspeople.
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