Hida Suppon Marimo moss balls shown at the Gifu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gifu on Nov. 24 (Fumiko Takaki)
TAKAYAMA, Gifu Prefecture Officials are trying to give the struggling area here a boost through sales of a more durable “marimo” moss ball that forms in hot spring water used to cultivate “suppon” softshell turtles.
Marimo moss balls grow naturally in Lake Akanko in Hokkaido and elsewhere, and the cute appearance of the small ones has long made them imported or artificially made popular bottled desk ornaments.
The Hida Suppon Marimo from the Okuhida onsen hot spring resort here can be kept in tap water.