#Japan #Tokyo #Nutrition #Cook Deli #Okayu Plus

Event Report: Launch of 'Okayu Plus Niku Miso'

On June 10, 2026, Cook Deli, known for providing fully prepared and delicious frozen meals to elderly care facilities, hosted a remarkable product launch event at the TOKYO TORCH Tokiwa Bridge Tower. This event marked the introduction of 'Okayu Plus Niku Miso,' a pioneering product that is the first of its kind to receive certification from the Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association for elderly facilities. The event moderated discussions on addressing concerns related to undernutrition and frailty in Japan's rapidly aging society, featuring key speakers in preventive medicine and clinical nutrition.

Event Highlights

The event commenced with special presentations from esteemed experts followed by product demonstrations and tastings.

Part 1 & 2: Special Lectures

Lecture 1: Achieving Well-Being through Food
Presented by Yu Ito, President of the Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association and Emeritus Professor at Keio University, the first lecture emphasized the increasing difficulty of maintaining a balanced diet in today’s eating environment. Ito highlighted societal challenges concerning obesity, undernutrition, and frailty, emphasizing that the “Optimal Nutrition Food”—a meal designed to scientifically meet dietary requirements through a perfect balance of 33 nutrients—was essential for promoting community well-being and overall health.

Lecture 2: The Cutting Edge of Nutritional Care Management for Seniors
Keiko Honda, Chairwoman of the Standardization Committee of the Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association and an honored member of the Japan Society of Clinical Nutrition, discussed the crucial importance of shifting focus from “metabolic and over-nutrition” issues to preventing undernutrition and frailty as individuals age. She underscored that adequate protein intake is essential for preventing frailty and cognitive decline, while addressing the challenges of protein limitations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Honda presented evolving evidence supporting more flexible dietary recommendations even for those managing CKD alongside frailty.

Part 3: Special Talk Session

In a dynamic discussion between Hideki Maejima, Secretary-General of the Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association, and Cook Deli’s development team, insights regarding the behind-the-scenes development of 'Optimal Nutrition Food' were shared. This session aimed to bust myths about traditional porridge and delve into the innovative journey of creating a product that meets essential nutritional needs even in a high-stress caregiving environment.

Part 4: Product Presentation & Tasting

The introduction of 'Okayu Plus Niku Miso' was subsequently followed by a tasting session featuring various arranged recipes, allowing attendees to experience the culinary innovation firsthand.

Attendee Feedback:
"The flavor exceeded my expectations! Many seniors have lost their appetite, but I believe they would enjoy this immensely." - A participant from a care facility.
"This development showcases how frozen food can tackle societal challenges surrounding nutrition. There’s a rising demand for home care options as well." - A journalist present at the event.

About 'Okayu Plus Niku Miso'

Recognized as the first certified product under the Optimized Nutrition Food guidelines specifically for elderly care facilities, 'Okayu Plus Niku Miso' addresses critical challenges within care environments where staffing shortages complicate personalized dietary provisions. To this end, Cook Deli developed this innovative solution under the concept of “just add to rice porridge for comprehensive nutritional support,” achieving a nutrient balance of 33 essential vitamins and minerals. With this product, caregivers can enhance meal quality efficiently, thus promoting health and well-being while reducing operational burdens.

Event Summary

• - Date: June 10, 2026, 14:00-16:00
• - Location: TOKYO TORCH Tokiwa Bridge Tower, 3F 'MY Shokudo Hall & Kitchen'
• - Agenda:

1. Lecture: Achieving Well-Being through Food (Yu Ito)
2. Lecture: Nutritional Care Management for Seniors (Keiko Honda)
3. Product Presentation & Tasting of 'Okayu Plus Niku Miso'
4. Special Talk Session: Behind the Development of 'Optimal Nutrition Food' (Hideki Maejima & Cook Deli Development Team)

About Cook Deli

Cook Deli is a manufacturer of fully prepared frozen foods aimed at elderly care facilities, distributing 220,000 meals daily to around 7,000 institutions. With Japan facing critical labor shortages in elder care amidst a growing aging population, Cook Deli supplies ready-made meals to enable facilities to serve quality food with fewer staff. Our mission is to provide safe, nutritious, and tasty meals, bringing joy and satisfaction to our users and reshaping the future of dining for the elderly.

Company Overview

• - Name: Cook Deli Inc.
• - President: Ken Washiya
• - Location: 2F Shiono Building, 1-6-17 Kitahorie, Nishi Ward, Osaka City
• - Telephone: 06-6536-2302
• - Established: 2016
• - Business Focus: Research and development of foods for frailty prevention, planning, manufacturing, and sales of elderly-oriented food products.
• - Website: Cook Deli

About the Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association

• - Name: Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association
• - President: Yu Ito
• - Location: 3-50-11 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• - Telephone: 03-6434-5307
• - Established: 2023
• - Business Focus: Promoting well-balanced and optimized nutrition tailored to individual needs, contributing to overall well-being.
• - Website: Japan Optimization Nutrition Food Association