#Japan #Tokyo #iCombi Pro #iVario Pro #RATIONAL Japan

RATIONAL Japan's Press Conference at HCJ 2026

RATIONAL Japan, a subsidiary of RATIONAL AG known for its steam convection ovens, recently participated in the 54th International Hotel and Restaurant Show held from February 17 to 20, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. The event is one of Japan's largest exhibitions for the hospitality and food service industries, organized by the Japan Management Association.

On February 18, RATIONAL hosted a press conference at their booth, where they showcased their flagship products, the iCombi Pro and iVario Pro. The conference was attended by media representatives from the food and beverage sector, allowing RATIONAL to demonstrate cooking quality and product features through live chef demonstrations.

Key Presentations and Highlights

The press conference was divided into three parts, starting with a presentation by RATIONAL Japan's CEO, Hiroshi Akai. He reported on the company’s achievements in 2025 and outlined plans for 2026. RATIONAL has established a strong presence in 120 countries and has exceeded the production of 1.5 million units of their steam convection ovens, highlighting their global achievements. For 2026, he emphasized plans to enhance production capabilities, especially with the new iVario factory, and to advance digital services utilizing ConnectedCooking technology.

In the second part of the conference, Yasuhiko Inada, the Head of Product Management at RATIONAL Japan, introduced the company’s commitment to sustainable kitchen operations. With new regulations in the EU and Japan requiring sustainability disclosures, RATIONAL is committed to publishing the carbon footprint (CFP) for all their products and utilizing operational data for environmental impact visualization. Inada showcased successful studies demonstrating significant reductions in water and energy usage through improved kitchen efficiency. He also noted that operators face challenges such as labor shortages and rising operational costs, highlighting RATIONAL's dual focus on reducing environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.

The final segment featured Masahiko Miyashita, CEO of Bakery Heidi, a RATIONAL user, who shared his experiences in kitchen improvements achieved through the adoption of the iVario Pro and iCombi Pro. He illustrated how investing in equipment that enables high-volume production in shorter periods can quickly recoup costs, underscoring the importance of enhancing productivity in a rising cost environment.

Overall, the press conference illustrated RATIONAL's commitment to accelerating advancements in industrial kitchens, focusing on environmental sustainability, enhancing digital services through ConnectedCooking, and boosting productivity.

For more information about RATIONAL's sustainability initiatives and user case studies, please visit:

• - RATIONAL Sustainability
• - Bakery Heidi Case Study
• - Bakery Heidi Official Site

If you have any inquiries, please contact RATIONAL Japan:
Phone: 03-6316-1188
Website: RATIONAL Japan
Facebook: RATIONAL on Facebook
Twitter: RATIONAL on Twitter
YouTube: RATIONAL YouTube Channel

About RATIONAL

RATIONAL is a leading company in the field of hot cooking technology for professional kitchens with over 2,600 employees, many of whom work in Germany. Established in 1973, RATIONAL went public in 2000 and is now listed on the MDAX. The company is deeply committed to sustainability, focusing on environmental protection and social responsibility, and has received numerous international awards for its achievements.