A cluster of maple trees was discovered growing in a Company-owned forest in Hokkaido.

The idea was sparked by a flight route map. Since Hokkaido is at a similar latitude to maple syrup–producing regions, we came up with the idea that production might also be possible in our Company-owned forests. The New Business Exploration Team is constantly engaging in active discussions and hypothesis testing, and the production and sale of maple syrup became one of the themes we were examining. Although we initially received reports that no maple trees existed in our forests, we considered replanting maples to harvest 20 years in the future or using roadside trees in nearby areas such as Obihiro. However, further investigation, including natural forests, revealed the presence of many maple trees.

Initial prototypes were made entirely by hand using buckets and a small concentrator.

Since large-scale maple syrup production had never been carried out in Japan, knowledge and information about equipment were scarce. The team collected information from overseas sources—literature, Canadian and U.S. universities, online media—as well as small domestic operators, while also studying regulations and certifications. Based on the hypothesis that the Tokachi region had conditions similar to Canada, we conducted research on resources, technology, and markets. We also visited Canada, imported a Canadian prototype machine in January 2024, and began trial production the following month. Presentations were made to management throughout the concept stage, and in July 2024, a business plan based on market research received official approval.

As the project advanced toward commercialization, resource requirements increased. With a limited number of members handling all tasks, including equipment installation, teamwork was essential. In early summer 2024, we began maple forest maintenance and Canadian-made mass production equipment was installed. Mass production started in February 2025, and sales began in April. These initial products sold out within the first week of launch, receiving strong feedback from both consumers and retailers. In Japan, the market is almost completely dominated by Canadian and American products, with domestic maple syrup holding less than 0.1% share. However, there is an estimated 4.0 billion yen market opportunity among the 10% of consumers who prefer domestic products, giving our syrup a competitive edge. Overseas expansion under a Japanese brand is also being considered. We are aiming for early profitability through efficiency and labor-saving in large-scale production.

The maple syrup business is carried out by Wakutto Nitta, a new company launched as an in-house venture. The name shows that this project is a descendant of other projects by Hokkaido Nitta related to forest conservation and community contribution, reflecting both its approachability and business direction. Unlike traditional manufacturing or B2B businesses, Wakutto Nitta is pursuing new brand development, going in novel directions to stimulate the entire Group.
While aiming for early profitability in maple syrup, Wakutto Nitta is also planning to develop other new businesses. The maple syrup business—based on proven overseas technologies adapted for Japan—follows the same success pattern that characterized our leather belts at the time of founding, hoses and tubes, timing belts, and semiconductor-related products.

Maple syrup is harvested from maples that are over 20 years old, extracting only 5% of each tree’s sap annually without affecting growth. The same trees can be tapped for over 100 years, while mature trees can later be used as material for high-quality furniture. As the maple trees grow, the CO₂ reduction effect continues, making it a business model with low environmental impact. In addition, by using forestry residues as firewood for the syrup concentration process, this business combines economic viability with social value and is a sustainable business aligned with the concept of the SDGs. The philosophy of protecting forests by gaining profit from them, thereby linking economic and social activities, reflects the founder’s deep respect for nature. Through Wakutto Nitta, we aim to establish maple syrup as a specialty of Hokkaido while continuing to pursue both social and economic value.