#Japan #labor shortage #Food Tech #Miyazaki

Addressing Labor Shortages in Food Manufacturing with Food Tech

On February 10, 2026, the second Miyazaki Food Tech Seminar will take place, focusing on the increasing labor shortages faced by the food manufacturing sector. Organized by Adlight, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and in collaboration with Miyazaki Prefecture, this seminar aims to support the local agricultural, forestry, and fishery industries and food-related businesses. The theme of this seminar, "Confronting Labor Shortages with Food Tech," reflects the urgent need to adopt innovative technology solutions to enhance productivity and improve labor conditions.

Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its abundant produce and is one of the top agricultural producers in Japan. While the production of processed foods utilizing local ingredients is robust, the industry faces a pressing challenge: a critical shortage of laborers. This problem is not only a concern for Miyazaki but a common issue across the entire food industry in Japan. As a response, the seminar will feature discussions led by companies leveraging technology to tackle the labor shortage in food production.

A Platform for Knowledge and Networking

This seminar presents a unique opportunity for participants to learn from leading experts in the field and gain insights into innovative practices that can be implemented in food manufacturing. A panel discussion will be held, featuring key figures from various organizations who will share their experiences and insights on addressing labor issues through technological advancements. Notable speakers at the event include:

• - MOTOYASU Sakamoto, CEO of Japan Caviar Co.
• - NOBUKAZU Shiraki, Executive Officer at TechMagic Inc.
• - AKIRA Ogura, CEO of Colonia Inc.
• - SHOYA Umemura, Fund Manager at Future Food Fund Inc.

Participants can also take advantage of a networking session that will facilitate exchanges of business cards among attendees, creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

Event Details

• - Date: February 10, 2026
• - Time: 16:00 - 18:00 (local time)
• - Location: MOC (Miyazaki Open City Promotion Association) at 1-5-13 Hiroshima, Miyazaki City (9-minute walk from JR Miyazaki Station)
• - Participation Fee: Free (prior registration required for both offline and online attendance)
• - Capacity: 80 for in-person attendance, 200 for online participation
• - Hosts: Miyazaki Prefecture; Managed by Adlight
• - Supported by: MOC
• - Registration Link: Sign up here

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is recommended for:

• - Individuals considering automation and labor reduction in food processing.
• - Local government officials and support organizations interested in models for solving labor shortages in rural areas.
• - Anyone looking to learn about the latest case studies in food tech adoption.

The Miya Food Tech Seminar

The Miyazaki Food Tech Seminar aims to create momentum towards the adoption of food technology through presentations by experts showcasing the latest trends and opportunities for collaboration among local businesses and larger enterprises from outside the region. The knowledge shared at this event will be applicable far beyond Miyazaki, helping tackle labor issues faced by the broader food industry across Japan.

Participants who cannot attend in person will be able to join via an online streaming option, with archiving available for later viewing. We welcome a wide audience from all regions to engage in this vital discussion and share solutions to a shared challenge in the industry.

Whether you are a business owner, policymaker, or simply passionate about food technology, we invite you to join us to explore how we can leverage innovative solutions to counter the challenges of labor shortages in the food manufacturing industry.