Experience the Flavors of Akita and Yamanashi at a Unique Culinary Event

On January 31, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, the Palsystem Yamanashi Nagano cooperative will host a special culinary event at its Kai Center in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This gathering will celebrate the collaboration with the producer group "Oria 21" from Ogata Village in Akita Prefecture, enhancing connections through local flavors and shared cooking experiences.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on cooking sessions using fresh local ingredients from both regions. One of the highlights will be the traditional Akita dish called "damako," which involves steaming rice before mashing it into round dumplings. This dish will be paired with delicious "Koshun Wine Beef" from Yamanashi, cooked in a savory sukiyaki style. The event promises to be both informative and delicious, with a focus on cultivating relationships between producers and participants.

The event is aptly named "Umeemamake," which translates to "eat delicious rice" in the Akita dialect, inviting participants to savor the flavors of the region. Last year's event saw great participation, and we anticipate similar enthusiasm this year.

Discover the Rich Agricultural Heritage of Oga Village

Oga Village, the home of "Oria 21," has a unique agricultural landscape formed by an ambitious land reclamation project from the waters of Lake Hachirogata. This area is recognized for its fertile soil and commitment to environmental preservation, practicing sustainable agriculture without relying on synthetic chemicals. The rice variety in focus, "Akitakomachi," also known as "Akko-chan," has been specially delivered to Palsystem Yamanashi Nagano, marking over 30 years of fruitful cooperation between the two regions.

As Japan faces rising rice prices and supply chain challenges, this event also serves as an opportunity for meaningful discussions about rice production and the evolving food landscape. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences, promoting a deeper understanding of food sustainability.

Event Details

- Date: January 31, 2026 (Saturday)
- Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Location: Palsystem Yamanashi Nagano Kai Center (3590-1 Shimoimai, Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Participants: Approximately 20 Palsystem users
- Content: Talks by producers, tastings of Koshun Wine Beef sukiyaki, and fresh rice dishes

Palsystem Yamanashi Nagano continues to prioritize the essential connections between producers and consumers, striving for sustainable practices in food production and consumption. We look forward to welcoming many participants to share in this unique culinary experience.

About Palsystem Yamanashi Nagano

Founded in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Palsystem Yamanashi Nagano is committed to enhancing local food systems and fostering community relationships. Under the leadership of Shigeko Furuya, the cooperative serves over 59,000 members, with an annual turnover of 8.23 billion yen as of March 2025. For more information, visit Palsystem Yamanashi's website.

This event will undoubtedly be a delightful and educational experience, merging the rich agricultural traditions of Akita with the exquisite flavors of Yamanashi, reinforcing the bonds within our community through food.