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The “Wellness Food Japan 2023” took place at Tokyo Big Sight from August 2nd to August 4th, 2023. Although it marked our debut at a Tokyo exhibition, our booth garnered significant attention from visitors both in Japan and abroad.
Sonomono Natto Won Wellness Food Award 2023
Concurrently, the “Wellness Food Award 2023,” a prestigious accolade spotlighting foods and ingredients enhancing Quality of Life (QOL), unfolded. In its 6th edition this year, the award aims to promote a better understanding of wellness food among consumers, fostering the industry’s healthy evolution.
To qualify, products must contribute to the proliferation of wellness and the extension of healthy lifespans. They should possess distinctive features, including unique ingredients, aligning with the award’s objectives. Additional criteria include:
- Substantiated functional evidence evaluated by a third-party organization.
- Spotlighting the appeal of local materials like agricultural and marine products.
- Addressing urgent food-related issues such as safety, security, and environmental concerns.
- Beyond being delicious, the products should be user-friendly, enjoyable, and designed to promote health.
Our company submitted our best-selling product from the sonomono Natto Bacteria Series “The sonomono Natto Powder Capsules” and secured a nomination in the Immunity and Nutritional Balance category. After rigorous initial and final evaluations, we proudly received the top honor—the Gold Award.
Points evaluated by the judging panel
-Is it tasty and easy to eat?
-Does it provide a preventive/improvement effect that can be expected over a long period rather than a rapid effect?
-Does it have a unique story?
-Are the effects and functions of the product clearly stated and easy to understand for general consumers?
-Is it related to social contribution and environmental consideration?
The judging panel
- Chairman of the judging committee
Mr. Kazuyoshi Yazawa (Head of Health Food Science Division, Normative Science Research Institute, Nano-Life Innovation Research Institute, Waseda University
- Judging committee
Mr. Toshihiko Osawa (Specially Appointed Professor, Aichi Gakuin University, Specially Appointed Professor, University of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Professor Emeritus, Nagoya University)
Mr. Ryuichi Morishita (Acting Director of the Japan Anti-Aging Association, Specified Nonprofit Corporation, Endowed Chair Professor, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Strategic Advisor, Health and Medical Strategy Headquarters)
Chisako Hori (Visiting Professor, Department of Life Studies, Nitobe Bunka Junior College)
Mr. Kunihiro Nishizawa (Nikkei BP Research Institute, Nikkei BP Research Institute, Visiting Researcher, Medical Health Lab)
Yuji Naito (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Department of Bioimmunology and Nutrition, Professor, Doctor of Medicine)
Mr. Hisashi Anan (Representative Director of the Association for the Creation of Consumers and Civil Society (ASCON), former Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency)
Mr. Takeda Takeda (Representative Director, Global Nutrition Group Co., Ltd.)
Mr. Yasuto Fujita (Representative Director and CEO of Integrate Co., Ltd.)
Recruitment commenced in April 2023, and by June, we were thrilled to receive the notification that “sonomono Natto” had been chosen as a finalist, culminating in the grand finale on the exhibition’s last day. The ultimate revelation from the final selection was the crowning achievement of the highest honor—an esteemed Gold Award for “Sonomono Natto.”
We are deeply grateful to our valued customers, dedicated manufacturing team, and trusted partners for their unwavering support. Winning this prestigious award is a significant milestone in our journey to harness the power of natto bacteria and create products that truly enhance well-being. This recognition fuels our mission to make a lasting impact, inspiring a cycle of health and innovation as we bring our vision to life.
A special thank you to everyone who visited our booth at the exhibition. The meaningful connections we made have been truly inspiring. We look forward to serving you with the same dedication and passion, and we invite you to stay tuned for the latest updates on sonomono’s journey. Your continued support means the world to us!
Full press release (Japanese)
Check the winning products
Wellness Food Japan 2023 Exhibition: 2023.8.2 (Wednesday) ~, 4 (Friday)
Wellness Food Award 2023 Final Selection: 2023.8.4 (Friday)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Building 3-5 Hall