Japan News Update #57 (February 2024)

Private Sector's Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

JAL partners with Marubeni Corporation to enhance sustainable produce delivery. By integrating JAL's transport network and customer base with Marubeni's producer network, the collaboration aims to establish a premium market for environmentally friendly, high-quality products. This initiative aims to deliver fresh, unique, and environmentally conscious products to a broad consumer base.

Source: JAL and Marubeni sign a MoU to collaborate on the development of a sustainable agriculture

Sojitz and 11 other firms, including Matsuya Foods, formed “Foodtech One Co.” to create plant-based meat alternatives and biofuels from waste oil. Despite higher production costs, the company aims to innovate and offer lower prices through technology, encouraging wider adoption of plant-based products.

Source: Sojitz, Matsuya Foods, and others form new company to develop plant-based meat alternatives.

Japan Strengthens Food Security and Sustainability

Japan's government passed a bill to amend the fundamental law on food, agriculture, and rural areas, aiming to bolster food security amidst global turmoil. It's the first significant update since the law's inception in 1999. The bill also addresses environmental concerns in food supply chains due to climate change.

Source: Japan Adopts Bill to Revise Basic Agriculture Law

The agriculture ministry launches an initiative to label environmentally friendly rice and vegetable products, indicating their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving biodiversity. Producers assess their "contribution rate" to greenhouse gas reductions based on pesticide, fertilizer, and fuel usage, earning stars for higher reductions.

Source: Japan's farm ministry launches eco-labeling initiative for sustainable farming

Addressing Labor Shortages and Aging Populations Through Technology

FamilyMart, Japan's second-largest convenience store chain, combats labor shortages with floor-cleaning robots, a first in major Japanese convenience stores. Rolling out to 300 stores by the end of February, the robots aim to free up staff time for other tasks. Equipped with sensors and monitors, they also carry items for sale. AI cameras are planned for future enhancements.

Source: Japan's FamilyMart to roll out cleaning robots at 300 convenience stores

NACOM, a commercial food wholesaler, introduces "easy to swallow food" for older people with chewing and swallowing difficulties. Unlike typical purees, it retains some grain texture and features printed patterns for visual appeal. This innovation aims to enhance the dining experience for seniors with texture-sensitive needs, resembling real food while addressing their dietary challenges.

Source: Delicious swallowing food with printing technology