Our Brands are Rooted in Tradition
And have been pioneering the innovation of organic, specialty food since 1953.
It’s our mission to bring you food that you feel good about eating, so that you can live a healthy and balanced life.
Our family of brands believe that the way we eat should be a reflection of the way we live: balanced and in harmony with nature.
This way of thinking, known as Macrobiotics, is the cornerstone of inspiration for our brands shaping our values, direction, and approach to food.
JAPAN GOLD USA
Japan Gold USA is the US division of MUSO, Co., the top exporter of quality Japanese foods and ingredients to 40+ countries.
A DIVISION OF MUSO
Founded in 2007 by Seigo Okada and headquartered in San Diego, CA, Japan Gold USA serves as the US sales, wholesale and logistic trading hub for MUSO, Co.
OUR BRANDS
Our family of brands have been pioneering the innovation of organic, specialty food since 1953.
The Most Trusted Name in Macrobiotics
George and Lima Ohsawa founded the Ohsawa brand in 1953. George Ohsawa brought together the principles of macrobiotics, Japanese traditions of growing and preparing food to coin the term the “MUSO Principle”. Ohsawa products embody these concepts and are produced using traditional Japanese practices. The brand logo is a cherry blossom, a symbol of the name Ohsawa.
Artisan | Craftsmanship | Authentic Japanese Innovative Foods
MUSO is Japan Gold USA’s parent company based in Japan. It has introduced some of the finest Japanese-made products the world has to offer. By partnering with top Japanese manufactures, MUSO introduces new flavors and textures to the American palate. The company was named after the macrobiotic philosophy known as the “MUSO Principle”. Today, MUSO branded items are distributed in over 40 countries by the partners who share MUSO’s mission and vision.
Heirloom and Artisanal | Natural and Organic
Gold Mine Natural Food Co. was founded in 1985 by Jean Richardson. What began in a small California gold mining town blossomed into a wide selection of unique artisanal products, best represented by raw, hand-crafted sauerkrauts, vegan Kimchi, non-GMO organic Masa, and kelp noodles. Gold Mine Natural Food Co. now serves as the online shop that provides access to all GMNF, MUSO, Co. and Ohsawa products to the United States.
OUR VALUES
We care about where our food comes from and strive to protect family-based, small producers who use traditional practices.
MORE ABOUT MUSO CO.
MUSO Co. has been an international purveyor of high quality, authentic Japanese foods since 1953
1953
Shuzo Okada, who founded the macrobiotic Association in Osaka, establishes the founding principles of MUSO under the statement of "Food is the Foundation of life"
1969
MUSO Co., Ltd. is established at Tennoji district in Osaka with Capital of 1 million yen
1974
The export of traditional Japanese natural foods such as shoyu and miso, to other countries begins
1982
Soy milk is introduced into the American and Australian markets while establishing additional contracted organic soybean farms in the US
1984
A joint venture soy milk manufacturing facility in the United States is established
1986
Export department becomes an independent division, established as MUSO., Ltd. (International) with capital of 10 million yen
1989
Organic certification by OCIA, Organic Crop Improvement Association is obtained
1989-1990
Ryoko Okada holds Macrobiotic Cooking Classes at various cities in Germany
1992
Yuko Okada, the president of MUSO Co., Ltd. is presented with the "Heart in Business" award for his many years of dedication to the growth of the natural food industry and organic foods movement in the North America
1993
Contracted organic farm for soybeans and other organic crops centering undeveloped zone in China is developed
1998
MUSO constructs its own office building and re-located into this new facility at the current address in Osaka
1998
Organic certification by JONA, Japan Organic & Natural Foods Association is obtained
1998
Organic certification by Ecocert according to EC regulation 2092/91 for EU market is obtained, helping establish organic farms in China
2001
JAS organic certification for category of importer by JONA is obtained
2002
Organic certifications by OCIA and Ecocert according to NOP, National Organic Program for US market is obtained
2004
JAS organic certification for category of repacker by JONA is obtained
2006
The 20th anniversary of the founding of MUSO Co., Ltd.is celebrated
2007
A division of MUSO Co. Inc. is established in San Diego, CA, USA.
2010
Gets certified ISO 22000 by BSI (British Standards Institution) for wholesale
2015
Celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of MUSO Co., Ltd.
2021
Corporate headquaters is moved to Minami-Shinmachi in Osaka, Japan