The Okinawa Sea Salt Research Institute (Okinawa Kaien Kenkyusho) produces "Aguni no Shio" (Aguni Salt) on Aguni Island, using traditional, chemical-free methods to create a high-mineral sea salt.Founded by Koshin Odo following the 1971 salt field eradication, the company revived traditional, long-term evaporation methods, producing salt that takes up to a month to create.
Due to Aguni Island's minimal industry and population, the surrounding seawater is exceptionally clean, resulting in a mineral content (about 15% of the salt, including magnesium and potassium) considered among the best in the world.
The company focuses on sustainable, natural salt production rather than high-volume industrial methods, maintaining a 300-year-old Okinawan tradition.
The Aguni salt, known for its complex, slightly sweet, and savory flavor, is highly regarded for culinary use and is considered a "vintage" for its natural composition.