ABSTRACT
Scientific exchange between Japan and southeastern Asian countries has been carried out actively since around 1975, and in 1985, the Society of Tempe Research was establish (1). Since then, multilateral research, including academic and industrial studies, have continued. In 1983, several companies, such as Torigoe Foods, Marusan Ai, and General Federation of Natto Manufacturers’ Cooperatives, started the industrial production of tempe, responding to public demand. The total annual production at that time was nearly 500 tons.
