In the late 1800s, not long after Japan had finally opened to the west, the founder of Kagome started growing western vegetables in Japan.
Within a few years, they were producing tomato puree - a new product for the Japanese diet. In 1908, they started producing tomato ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, which influenced Japanese cuisine over the coming years.
Now, Kagome is the brand most associated with tomatoes in Japan. Their tomato ketchups, canned tomatoes and tomato juices are very popular. In addition, their tonkatsu sauce, and other vegetable juices, are staples in Japanese kitchens and pantries.