Kirk here. This item, which came to me via a Google news alert for “Kumamoto,” made me smile. I imagined an intrepid explorer and his expedition party, trudging through the “unexplored regions” of Kumamoto in search of liquid gold – honey. 😉
It seems that “unexplored” is the word used to translate the Japanese 秘境 (hikyo). Here’s how ChatGPT defines hikyo:
— start ChatGPT explanation — The Japanese word “秘境” (hikyō) refers to a “hidden or secret place,” often implying a location that is remote, secluded, or difficult to access. These places are usually untouched or unspoiled by human activity and can be thought of as hidden gems in nature, offering pristine and often breathtaking environments. They are often sought after for their untouched beauty, mystery, and the sense of adventure they evoke in exploring unknown or little-known locales. — end ChatGPT explanation —
I guess “unexplored” is sort of close. Yet, as translations go, I would put this in the “close but no cigar” category. Words like “pristine” or “isolated” might have been better. The place can’t be “unexplored” because, obviously, somebody did some “exploring” in order to find the honey.
The reason I can say with confidence that “秘境” is the Japanese word that led to the “unexplored” description is that searching for information about the honey brand led me to the original Japanese-language text. Here’s the URL of the Japanese:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000132298.html
And here’s the URL of what came to me in English:
Both texts explain that the honey comes from an isolated, mountainous area near Kikuchi.
I have no doubt that the honey is good but, at over 30,000 yen per little jar, I think this honey will have to remain “unexplored” – at least by me. 😉