NAHA, Okinawa Pref. — Masuya, a specialty salt store here, employs a "salt sommelier."

"This salt here is for preparing meat for cooking," the apron-clad woman said as she greets customers. "Salt with an acidic taste matches tempura."

The woman picks the right salt for customers after choosing from an array produced in many places around Japan, including Soya no Shio (soya salt) from Wakkanai, Hokkaido, and Kodakara Onsen Shio (Treasured Children Hot Spring Salt) from Kodakarajima, Kagoshima Prefecture.