Japan News Update #51 (June 2023)

Japan's food policy developments: a first guideline for animal welfare, and a possible law revision regarding food loss

Japan's government has introduced guidelines for the treatment of livestock, focusing on animal welfare. The guidelines cover various types of livestock and include recommendations for perches and dust baths for egg-laying hens, aligning them with the European Union's regulations. The agriculture ministry intends to raise awareness about animal welfare by instructing local governments and industry groups. The US and Japan differ in their approaches to keeping chickens, allowing diverse methods.

Source: Japan draws up first guidelines on animal welfare-based treatment of livestock

The government is discussing a law revision to reduce food waste, including protecting businesses from liability if they donate surplus food to food banks. A package of measures will be developed by the end of the year, with legislation amendments expected in next year's Diet session. Official certification for food banks is likely, and efforts may be made to allow diners to take home unfinished food. The government aims to halve food loss by fiscal 2030.

Source: Japan Eyes Law Revision to Cut Food Loss

Agri- and food-tech in Japan

Tokyo hosted a major food technology exhibition featuring robots capable of packing items on assembly lines to address labor shortages in the industry. With around 960 companies participating, Tokyo firm RT showcased collaborative robots that work together to pack food, ensuring seamless operation. Yamazen presented an autonomous device with image recognition and sensors to pack lunchboxes.

Source: Robots on display at food-tech show

A farming project in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture, successfully cultivated 12,000 tomatoes from a single seed. The initiative, carried out by the Tokai Municipal Agricultural Center and Kagome Co., aimed to showcase the appeal of farming. This year, the project surpassed its goal, producing over 10,000 bright-red tomatoes slightly larger than golf balls. The center's focus now is to enhance the tomatoes' quality further.

Source: Central Japan Farming Center Grows 12,000 Tomatoes from Single Seed

NEC X, a subsidiary of NEC Corporation, has forged a strategic alliance with THRIVE, a globally acclaimed agri-tech accelerator. This collaboration will empower NEC X to utilize THRIVE's extensive network to bolster and expedite the establishment and expansion of food and agriculture startups. Moreover, NEC X will offer state-of-the-art solutions to assist entrepreneurs in the sector, specifically in precision agriculture and automated farming systems, thereby fostering the generation of groundbreaking innovations. By leveraging THRIVE's resources and expertise, NEC X aims to facilitate the rapid growth of new businesses in the food and agriculture industry while propelling advancements in technology and practices within the sector.

Source: NEC subsidy partners with American AgriTech Accelerator THRIVE

KUBOTA AGRI FRONT, an educational facility operated by Kubota Corporation at Hokkaido Ball Park F Village, has celebrated its grand opening. The facility offers a guided tour-style agricultural learning program, allowing visitors to delve into the challenges and prospects of agriculture in Hokkaido. Through a collaborative agreement between Kubota, Hokkaido University, and other parties, the aim is to cultivate the next generation of agricultural professionals, foster community development, facilitate the exchange of agricultural expertise, and communicate their vision for the future of agriculture from the expansive landscapes of Hokkaido.

Source: KUBOTA opens Food and Agriculture learning facility in Hokkaido