#Japan #Isumi City #Buyer's Room #Komatsu Design #Jersey Yogurt

Komatsu Design Wins Gold for Jukuri Aging Jersey Yogurt

On October 20, 2026, Komatsu Design, based in Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture, proudly announced that their product, Jukuri Aging Jersey Yogurt, clinched a gold medal at the Buyer's Room 2026. This prestigious event, organized by the National Association of Commercial and Industrial Associations, aims to promote local products developed with regional resources and technologies and to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their market reach.

The Buyer's Room, a key initiative started in 1988, serves as a platform where approximately 40 industry buyers evaluate products submitted from across the country. The recent event, held on September 15, 2026, in Tokyo, focused on business matching opportunities alongside the awarding of prizes, fostering enhanced value for winning products.

The gold medal was awarded to Komatsu Design's Jukuri Aging Jersey Yogurt, which is produced using A2 milk sourced entirely from free-range Jersey cows at Uta Farm. This farm was established by a couple — an architect and an environmental designer who moved from Setagaya to Isumi City and dedicated themselves to cultivating abandoned terraced rice fields. Their vision is to create a harmonious farm where nature and living creatures coexist.

The yogurt is made through a meticulous process of lactic acid fermentation and traditional hanging methods for three days, resulting in a rich and smooth texture with a delightful deep flavor characteristic of Jersey milk. Notably, this product is low in sugar and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for yogurt lovers. Its exceptional qualities stood out among some 110 products that were submitted and rigorously evaluated by industry professionals during the event.

The Buyer's Room also awarded a silver medal to Nori Rice Chips from NETVision, located in Miyazaki, which combines flavorful Korean nori with rice flour sheets, resulting in a light and crunchy snack. The bronze medal went to Koku Frozen Dandan Noodles from B2A in Gifu, offering customers a taste of authentic dandan noodles right at home.

Beyond these top awards, a total of 41 special jury awards were given to various products, highlighting the diverse culinary talents across Japan. Notable mentions include Yuzu Furikake by Anshinmi from Oita and various others from regions like Fukuoka and Niigata.

The Buyer's Room initiative not only focuses on product recognition but also provides vital business networking opportunities for small and medium enterprises, facilitating connections between producers and distributors without the need for extensive travel. This innovative approach aims to tackle the challenges faced by small businesses in product development and market entries.

The entry period for the next Buyer's Room event opens from July 1 to July 31, 2026, highlighting an ongoing commitment to supporting local producers and fostering economic growth within communities. Participants can expect a thorough evaluation process, culminating in awards and recognition aimed at encouraging excellence in Japanese agribusiness.

In summary, the success of Komatsu Design's Jukuri Aging Jersey Yogurt not only affirms the quality of the product but also emphasizes the importance of local businesses and their contributions to Japan's vibrant food culture. Its gold medal win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the producers who strive to connect tradition with innovation, paving the way for a sustainable future in the food industry.