NEWS
Meet our program partner: Rokko Butter Co., Ltd. (Q•B•B)
Rokko Butter Co., Ltd., the company behind the well-known Q•B•B brand, is a leading food manufacturer based in Kobe, specializing in the processing of natural cheese. Since its founding, the company has built a reputation for high-quality, safe, and delicious products while continuously embracing innovation in food manufacturing.
Meet our program partner: KOBE SHU-SHIN-KAN BREWERIES, LTD.
Founded in 1751 in Kobe’s historic Nada district, KOBE SHU-SHIN-KAN BREWERIES, LTD. is a long-established sake producer and the creator of the renowned “Fukuju” brand. For almost 300 years, the company has refined the art of sake brewing through a balance of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. “Fukuju” sake has earned global recognition not only for its exceptional quality and smooth flavor profile but also for the brewery’s strong commitment to sustainability.
Meet our program partner: Future Food Fund
Future Food Fund is a Tokyo-based corporate venture capital firm specializing in food and agri-tech innovation. Since its establishment, the fund has focused on supporting startups that are transforming food systems, both in Japan and abroad.
Meet our program partner: Juccheim Co., Ltd.
With a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and quality, Juchheim Co., Ltd. is a beloved name in Japan’s confectionery industry, known for its signature Baumkuchen and dedication to authentic German baking traditions. As the company looks toward the future, Juchheim is embracing innovation in food technology and sustainability.
APPLICATION FORM ARE NOW OPEN!!
Are you a foodtech startup looking to collaborate with leading Japanese corporates?
Next Kitchen is a cross-border open innovation initiative that connects global foodtech startups with leading Japanese food companies to co-create the future of food.
Meet our program partner: UCC Ueshima Coffee, Inc.
UCC is one of Japan’s leading coffee companies, known for its excellence in coffee production, sustainable sourcing, and continuous research into coffee’s role in health and society.
Meet our program partner: Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.
Kobe Bussan is one of Japan’s leading integrated food companies, operating across manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and restaurant services. Known for its nationwide chain “Gyomu Super” and its strong focus on sustainability, Kobe Bussan is a key player driving food innovation in Japan.
Meet our program partner: Kanetetsu Delica Foods Co., Ltd.
Known for its innovation in traditional Japanese kamaboko and surimi-based products, Kanetetsu Delica Foods Co., Ltd. continues to evolve as a forward-thinking food manufacturer. With a strong foundation in quality and creativity, Kanetetsu is now looking to collaborate with startups to drive the next wave of food innovation.
Meet our program partner: Nakanishi Co., Ltd.
Nakanishi is a Japanese industrial technology company known for its precision machinery, advanced engineering, Kitchen Equipment, and automation solutions. Its technologies are used across many sectors, including food processing systems.
Meet our program partner: Fujiwara Techno-Art Co., Ltd.
Fujiwara Techno-Art is a Japanese pioneer in fermentation and microbiome technologies—building cutting-edge equipment for koji and solid-state culturing, sterilization, and full custom engineering of production plants. Their work blends tradition and innovation, with a strong SDGs vision and global R&D on advanced fungal/enzyme tools for food.
Meet our program partner: Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.
Hakutsuru is one of Japan’s most storied sake breweries, with roots going back to 1743 in Kobe. They are widely recognized both domestically and globally for high-quality brewing craftsmanship and innovation in beverage production.
Meet our program partner: Yaegaki Biotechnology, Inc.
Yaegaki Biotechnology is a pioneering Japanese biotech company renowned for its advanced fermentation and microbiological technologies. With expertise in functional food ingredients (such as immunomodulatory and cognitive-support compounds), general food raw materials (koji, acetic acid bacteria), and microbiome-driven R&D, Yaegaki actively contributes to both health and wellness.
Meet our program partner: Fujiwara Techno Art Co., Ltd.
- Innovating Tradition, Brewing a Sustainable Future
Around a thousand years ago, the Japanese discovered a mysterious microorganism known as koji mold, which has since played a central role in shaping Japan’s food culture, including soy sauce, miso, sake, and shochu. Fujiwara Techno Art, a leading manufacturer of brewing machinery, has pioneered the fully automated, unmanned production of traditional koji. Leveraging its microbial expertise honed in the brewing industry, the company contributes to building a rich and sustainable circular society.
Meet our program partner: MCC FOOD PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
- 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.
Meet our program partner: JAPAN AIRLINES
- 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.
Meet our program partner: NAKANISHI MFG. CO., LTD.
- 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.
Meet our program partner: Pasco Shikishima Corporation
- 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.
Meet our program partner: HAKUTSURU SAKE BREWING CO.,LTD
- 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.
Meet our program partner: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
- 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.
Meet our program partner: Maneki Foods
- 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.