[Niyusu]

There is evidence that natto consumption in Japan has started to drop recently.

According to some scholars, natto - made from steamed soybeans combined with soybean bacteria for fermentation - has been in existence in Japan since about 400 B.C. to A.D. 300.

The average Japanese household spent about ¥4,200 on natto in 2002. But it dropped to about ¥3,800 last year.

To turn the tide, some natto makers have introduced products containing distinctive flavors...

Source: 'Natto' consumption slump spurs makers' creativity | Japan Times