We participated in a press tour for "ARSOA," a cosmetics brand celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and report on a packed itinerary including their headquarters, organic farm, and restaurant.

ARSOA, which researches, develops, manufactures, and sells cosmetics, health foods, and food products, has its headquarters in Kobuchisawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, surrounded by vast nature. The first thing that surprised me was the headquarters building, designed to resemble a bird spreading its wings. Designed by renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini, its beautiful, award-winning design is truly breathtaking. Inside, there's a meeting room like a golden egg at the center, and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that reflects the water's surface.

The museum, filled with ARSOA's 50-year history, allows visitors to see its philosophy and valuable historical materials. The company also engages in volunteer activities, reflecting its desire to widely share information on diet and healthy lifestyles. Photos from their volunteer work during the Great East Japan Earthquake were also on display.

At its founding, ARSOA re-examined the prevailing skincare practices of the time, advocating for the importance of "washing" as a counterpoint to "layering" products.
This led to the creation of "Arsoa Queen Silver," a black facial soap that marked the beginning of ARSOA. Through extensive research and a refined philosophy, they arrived at the conclusion that "cleansing the skin is paramount, before applying anything." Their simple skincare routine of "washing," "removing," and "hydrating" is designed to restore the skin's natural vitality. The "Arsoa Queen Silver" produces a rich, elastic lather and is best lathered by hand rather than with a foaming net.

The elastic lather of "Arsoa Queen Silver" feels wonderful, and we recommend lathering it by hand rather than using a foaming net.
We were shown how to create a smooth, bouncy lather. (Detailed instructions on how to lather can be foundon ARSOA's YouTube) The satisfyingly bouncy lather created by hand is sure to become addictive!

ARSOA emphasizes the importance of balance in "mind, body, and skin." They have long focused not only on skin health but also on mental and physical well-being, offering comprehensive support for beauty and health, including a range of health foods. At "Rainbow Farm," their organic farm established in 2010, they cultivate pesticide-free vegetables used as ingredients for their health foods. These nutrient-rich, vital vegetables are carefully grown, with even their compost produced in-house, showcasing their dedication.

Healthy vegetables are said to have strong immunity and are not easily affected by pests. I had always assumed that pesticide-free vegetables would naturally be imperfect in shape and show signs of insect damage (which I thought was proof of being pesticide-free). This tour taught me for the first time that truly good vegetables are vibrant, flavorful, well-shaped, and free from insect damage.

"Georlina Enzyme" is made with a balanced blend of pesticide-free vegetables, fruits, wild herbs, and seaweed carefully cultivated at "Rainbow Farm," providing an easy way to supplement essential nutrients. Based on the principle of "Ichibutsutai Zen" (eating the whole thing), which emphasizes consuming ingredients in their entirety, they meticulously use every part, including roots and peels. Their commitment extends to hand-washing and cutting the vegetables to preserve the microorganisms and nutrients. This drinkable formula is easy to consume and supports a balanced diet.

At "Kanoki Cafe & Dining," where you can savor the seasonal flavors of the Yatsugatake region, you can enjoy organic ingredients, including vegetables harvested from "Rainbow Farm." (This restaurant is open to the public.) The colorful lunch plate, featuring seasonal vegetables, is a satisfying set that includes soup, a drink, and a mini dessert. Each vegetable's flavor was intense, and everything was incredibly delicious.

For dessert, we had a vegan raw cheesecake, which contains no animal products. It was incredibly creamy, you wouldn't believe it was dairy-free! This dessert can be purchased on the website of "BIOKURA," ARSOA Group's plant-based food brand. The rice flour cookies from BIOKURA are also available at stores like Natural Lawson and Seijo Ishii.

The shop corner within the restaurant also sells BIOKURA's wholesome snacks and carefully selected seasonings. The BIOKURA rice flour cookies are available at stores like Natural Lawson and Seijo Ishii. Not only the popular cookies, but also the miso and flaxseed oil are highly recommended for their unique flavors.

ARSOA's commitment to harnessing the power of nature has been unwavering. Hearing directly about their passion for product creation and their philosophy, and witnessing their dedication to crafting the finest products, made for an incredibly educational day filled with the energy of the natural surroundings in Kobuchisawa, Yamanashi Prefecture.