UTSUNOMIYA, Japan -- A Japanese producer of shiitake mushroom spawn is trying to cultivate the Vietnamese market by selling spawn that can grow on local trees, looking for new growth in Southeast Asia as Japan's population ages and shrinks.
Hokken, a leader in shiitake spawn, established subsidiary Hokken Vietnam in Hanoi in July. In addition to local staff, two Japanese employees spend about half of their time in the country to provide guidance on cultivation.
