The town of Yuasa in Wakayama Prefecture is so well preserved that when you enter it, you feel as though you're walking into a museum. Even the roofs and windows of homes, which are different here than in other parts of Japan, have been meticulously kept in their original condition.
But it wasn't until entering Ota Kyusuke Ginsei, a miso factory, that the town really came to life. The 72-year-old owner, Shosuke Ota, is still passionate, vibrant and energetic, despite his old age. He clearly loves his work, and is proud of the culture that surrounds miso-making.
Wandering through his factory, he laments that the traditional style of making miso may not continue in Yuasa after he has gone.