FEATURE: Salmon, birch sap give Hokkaido cosmetics a local flavor

SAPPORO - Cosmetics made with ingredients ranging from salmon and sugar beet to birch sap are attracting growing interest, with manufacturers tapping Hokkaido's natural resources while forging closer ties with local communities.

The products, many of which make use of natural or food-derived ingredients, are also providing a boost to regional economies through factory tourism, local employment and efforts to support areas producing the raw materials.