- A Century of Tradition in Quality Food Production

Founded in 1923, MCC Food Products, based in Kobe, marked its 100th anniversary in 2023. MCC is dedicated to producing high-quality food products for both commercial and household use with focusing on "not just producing, but cooking with care" ensuring each product is made with fresh ingredients and traditional methods. The company prioritizes locally harvested vegetables, especially from Hyogo Prefecture, to maintain premium quality. 

  - A key player in the global aviation industry  

Japan Airlines (JAL) Japan Airlines (JAL) is renowned for its exceptional service and culinary innovation. By partnering with top chefs and embracing sustainable practices, JAL offers passengers a unique dining experience that blends traditional Japanese flavors with modern food technologies, enhancing the overall journey with every meal.

 -  With a legacy of quality and cutting-edge precision engineering

NAKANISHI MFG. CO., LTD. specializes in the manufacturing and sale of commercial kitchen equipment for a wide range of industries, including schools, hospitals, businesses, fast food shops, restaurants, and bakeries. With a focus on high-quality, reliable products, they provide tailored solutions that enhance kitchen efficiency and meet the specific needs of each sector.

   - A national leading pastries’ manufacturer 

Pasco Shikishima Corporation is a leading Japanese company specializing in the production and sale of bread, cakes, and pastries. Founded in 1933, the company has grown to become one of Japan's most recognized brands in the food industry in Japan. Pasco focuses on using high-quality ingredients and advanced baking technology to deliver delicious and nutritious products to consumers.

  -  A world-renowned sake Producer

HAKUTSURU SAKE BREWING CO.,LTD has been making sake for over 275 years and combining centuries of tradition with advanced technology to bring out the best in Japanese beverages. Investing in traditional craft skills and innovative technology, Hakutsuru can collaborate with startups to explore unique opportunities.

 -  With a commitment to innovation and sustainability　

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. is one of Japan's leading financial institutions, offering a wide range of banking services, including corporate and retail banking, asset management, and investment banking. Established in 2000 as part of Mizuho Financial Group, the bank serves both domestic and international clients, leveraging its extensive network and expertise. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Mizuho Bank plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth and development in Japan and beyond.

  - To spread the Japanese lunch box “BENTO” to the world

Founded in 1888 and headquartered in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, MANEKI FOODS is dedicated to spreading Japan's bento culture around the world. They export "frozen bento" overseas and make vegan and health-conscious frozen bento boxes. By expanding their frozen food business, they hope to contribute to society by reducing food loss,

making planned production more efficient and protecting limited resources.

- What do you envision our future food lifestyle to be? 

Future Food Fund is a corporate venture capital firm of Oisix ra daichi, a prominent Japanese food delivery listed company. Corporate Venture Capital fund that invests in food and food-related technology startups to create and develop an innovation cycle in the food industry's ecosystem. Future Food Fund discovers and supports startups whose pioneering technology and new services can be quickly implemented and commercialized.

 - Enriching the world and the individual

Founded in 1751, Kobe Shushinkan Brewery (FUKUJU) has maintained the name "FUKUJU" for thirteen generations as a sake brewery committed to traditional craftsmanship. FUKUJU is highly recognized by sommeliers from around the world, and has been served at the banquet dinner at the Nobel Prize award ceremony for several years. As times and environments continue to change, they strive to continue the excellence of Japanese sake into the future.

JETRO Kobe, Hyogo prefectural government, Kobe City government, and Innovation Dojo Japan have launched a business matching program Next Kitchen specifically designed for overseas food tech and food industry startups. This is the 3rd year of this program after successful years in 2023 and 2024. This year, the program will be held from 4-7 February 2025 in Kobe, Japan. 

 - To be an innovative energy & service company that continues to be the first choice of customers

OSAKA GAS headquartered in Osaka, is the biggest Gas, energy company in western Japan. 

The main business segments are domestic energy (gas, electricity), international energy (development and investment in oil and natural gas, energy supply, LNG transport, and Life & business solutions) and non-energy business (development and leasing of real estate properties, information-processing services, sale of fine materials and carbon material products).

- Create the future of people and society through fermentation.

Yaegaki Biotechnology, Inc. is a research and development company specializing in fermentation. Combining fermentation techniques cultivated over many years and cutting-edge biotechnology, they are always expanding their enterprises in food colourants, general food ingredients and functional food ingredients.

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- Peace by Piece

Juchheim headquartered in Kobe, is one of Japan's leading Western confectionery manufacturers, with a presence in department stores across the country. With a strong focus on additive-free high quality products, Juchheim invented an AI-powered oven THEO for baum kuchen which allows AI machines to learn the technique and convert it into data, baking baumkuchen cakes. Juchheim also established a food tech innovation center to promote collaboration with other food related companies.

-Nourishing Life

Kanetetsu is a well-established manufacturer specializing in innovative fish paste products, offering deep market knowledge and a distribution network ideal for scaling unique food innovations in Japan.

Enriching Lives and the World

Sumitomo Corporation is a globally recognized conglomerate with extensive investments in the food sector, offering startups unmatched opportunities for distribution, supply chain integration, and market expansion.

  - Improving everyone's quality of life

Kobe Bussan is a major player in food retail with over 900 “Gyomu Super” stores across Japan, providing startups unparalleled access to Japan's expansive value-driven consumer market.

Pioneering the Future of Culinary Innovation!
Nishimoto Co., Ltd. (wismettac.com)
Since its founding in 1912, NISHIMOTO Wismettac has grown into a global supplier of food ingredients and products, with 24 branches in North America and others in Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Where Tradition Meets Innovation!
Fujicco Co., Ltd.
FUJICCO is a top manufacturer of traditional Japanese processed foods made from ingredients such as kombu (kelp) and beans.