こうじ

Etymology 2
Two likely derivations:
 * Shift from a compound of.
 * Alternatively, a shift from, the of verb.
 * Alternatively, a shift from, the of verb.

Noun

 * 1) koji: a substance that is produced by letting a mold, especially, grow on rice, barley, soybeans, etc., used to make fermented products such as sake, amazake, miso, and soy sauce