Kanematsu and Chikara no Moto Company Collaborate for Sustainable Rice Production

Kanematsu and Chikara no Moto's Initiative for Sustainable Rice Production

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Kanematsu Corporation has successfully partnered with Chikara no Moto Company to supply domestically produced rice from Akita's Komachi Farm, alongside the environmental value generated during its production. This rice is now featured in selected locations of the popular ramen chain "Ippudo" operated by Chikara no Moto.

This initiative aims to create a sustainable supply model for domestic rice, leveraging the expertise of the producers who are pioneers in carbon fixation through biochar application while simultaneously working to reduce chemical fertilizer usage. The partnership includes TOWING, a company committed to carbon credit creation and environmental value generation.

Kanematsu, Chikara no Moto, TOWING, and the rice producers are not just starting a new trade relationship but also collaborating to support the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries' Green Food System Strategy. Together, they endeavor to tackle climate change and promote regenerative agriculture practices, thus building a resilient and reliable system for the production and supply of safe and sustainable domestically produced rice.

![image of biochar application on farmland]

As part of its mid-term management plan, Kanematsu aims to lead the transformation of efficient and sustainable supply chains, branding itself as a solution provider in this realm. A significant focus is placed on the “Agriculture and Food GX” sector, where Kanematsu utilizes its strengths in the food supply chain by collaborating with farmers, fertilizer manufacturers, feed manufacturers, meat packers, food producers, and retailers to drive diverse GX projects.

By implementing the J-credit methodology “AG-004: Application of Biochar to Agricultural Land,” the producers are applying biochar to their fields before flooding with water. The amount of carbon fixed in the soil is documented and converted into J-credits through TOWING, which are then purchased by Chikara no Moto as part of their commitment to supporting the producers’ biochar introduction costs and reducing environmental impacts. Kanematsu ensures traceability for the domestically produced rice, facilitating its distribution to Chikara no Moto.

This project embodies the concept of “carbon insets,” where greenhouse gas emissions reduced or removed within the same supply chain are accounted for. The benefits extend not only to the companies involved but also to the environment—a commendable step toward a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Overview of Kanematsu’s Carbon Inset Initiatives

1. Partnership with the Agricultural and Cooperative Bank to tackle global warming issues in agriculture and food sectors.
2. Collaboration with Danish Crown to promote sustainable pork products in Japan.
3. Agreement with Green Carbon Co. to address methane emissions from rice paddies and promote environmentally friendly rice.
4. Partnership with TOWING to expand the application of high-function biochar "Soratan" in Japan and the U.S.
5. Development of a sustainable supply chain for Brazilian coffee beans with Morinaga Milk Industry and TOWING.
6. Investment in TOWING to lead the establishment of sustainable food supply chains domestically and internationally.
7. Launch of initiatives using methane reduction materials for livestock in collaboration with dsm-firmenich.
8. Participation in the Insetting Consortium focused on strengthening agriculture and food GX.
9. Achievement of carbon inset supply of domestic rice and environmental values to Skylark, addressing emissions from raw material sourcing.
10. Execution of feeding trials for the world’s first methane-reducing material "Bobea®" in black-haired wagyu cattle.
11. Integration of carbon inset strategies to harmonize Scope 3 emissions reductions in food companies’ supply chains.
12. Provision of environmentally friendly beef produced through Bobea® trials at internal cafes as a step towards commercialization.

About the Companies Involved

Chikara no Moto Company
Founded: October 1986
Headquarters: 1-13-14 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
Website: Chikara no Moto

TOWING
Founded: February 2020
Headquarters: 1 Nakaokazaki, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
Website: TOWING

Akita Komachi Farm
Representative: Toji Tamura
Location: 18, Nanakubo, Oga, Akita, Japan

For inquiries about collaborations, please contact Kanematsu Corporation's GX Business Promotion Division via email at [email protected].