Shimeji (Japanese language ： シメジ, 占地) is a group of edible mushrooms native to East Asia, but also found in northern Europe. Hon-shimeji (Lyophyllum shimeji) is a mycorrhizal fungus and difficult to cultivate.Other species are saprotrophs, and buna-shimeji is now widely cultivated.Shimeji is rich in umami tasting compounds such as guanylic acid, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid.ultivation of Buna-shimeji was first patented by Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd. in 1972 as hon-shimeji and the production started in 1973 in Japan. Now, several breeds are widely cultivated and sold fresh in markets.