#Japan #Kagome #Fukushima #Akatsuki #Koori Town

A Unique Experience for Elementary Students in Fukushima

On September 20, 2025, a special program called 'Delicious! Vegetable Challenge' took place at the multifunctional studio 'Ikouze!' in Koori Town, Fukushima. Kagome Co., Ltd., represented by CEO Satoshi Yamaguchi, collaborated with the Non-Profit Organization After School NPO led by Executive Director Kunihiro Hira Iwa, to create an engaging educational experience for 33 local elementary school students.

The day unfolded with students participating in quizzes about vegetables, where they learned about the seasonal availability of various produce and the daily vegetable intake goals vital for a healthy diet. A highlight of the program was the hands-on activity where students crafted their unique juice blends using the local specialty 'Akatsuki' peach juice produced by Kagome, combined with multiple varieties of vegetable juices.

Furthermore, Mayor Nobuhiro Takahashi of Koori Town attended to taste the students' creations and provided his feedback, emphasizing the significance of such programs in nurturing a sense of pride and community in local agriculture among young learners. Mayor Takahashi remarked on the excellence of the Akatsuki peach, which has been presented to the imperial family for 32 consecutive years since 1994, stating, "I believe that this delightful fusion of our sweet peach and nutritious vegetables has resulted in a glass full of smiles."

Insight Into the Program

Engaging Learning Experience

The 'Delicious! Vegetable Challenge' program, developed to address a common concern regarding children's dislike for vegetables due to lack of experience, utilizes interactive learning methods to inspire a deeper connection with food. This initiative emerged in April 2018 and has reportedly included over 14,000 participants, illustrating its success. The program has also garnered awards, such as the Kids Design Award in 2019 and a recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2022.

Participants have shown overwhelming positive feedback, with more than 96% indicating they had great fun during the activities. Kagome's commitment to supporting agricultural experiences, aligned with their sales practices of fresh produce through their direct delivery service, highlights their dedication to regional agriculture and fostering local pride.

Students shared their feedback, highlighting their enjoyment and newfound awareness of vegetables. Comments included excitement about a vegetable quiz and realizing their prior perceptions of vegetable consumption. One student mentioned, "I had fun guessing the vegetables in the box. I didn't like vegetable juice, but adding peach juice made it delicious!"

This program demonstrates Kagome's mission to empower children through educational experiences while promoting local produce like the highly celebrated 'Akatsuki' peach.

Looking Ahead

As the program continues to evolve, Kagome aims to expand their efforts in pairing agricultural education with consumer experiences, connecting the dots between local farmers, quality produce, and community involvement.

By fostering greater appreciation for locally sourced ingredients among the next generation, they not only enhance the health of participants but also support the sustainability of local agriculture and community bonding through shared experiences in food creation. The ongoing success of initiatives like these is paving the way for a healthier future where local produce thrives foremost in the minds and palates of consumers.

For further information, you can visit Kagome's Health Direct Delivery service here and explore their Farm Support initiative here.