#Japan #Obihiro #Cosmo Girls #Next Orbit #HOSPO

Cosmo Girls from Tokachi Achieve Greatness in Culinary Space Contest

Tokachi's own 'Cosmo Girls,' a dynamic women’s community run by Kanatta Corporation based in Tokyo, has achieved remarkable success in the 'Next Orbit Tokachi' space food recipe contest, held on August 14, 2026. The community, which operates under the theme "Making Space a Hobby and Job," proudly earned the President's Award from HOSPO. This contest aimed to merge culinary innovation with space exploration, further inspiring a new generation.

Overview of the Contest

Organized by the Next Orbit Tokachi Executive Committee with support from student associations and local organizations, the contest welcomed participants from various backgrounds. The pivotal concept revolved around creating dishes that could evoke the essence of Tokachi while imagining a meal in the cosmos. The final judging session was a hallmark event of the Tokachi Plain Festival held in Obihiro.

The award-winning dish known as the "Space Cone" showcased local Tokachi ingredients transformed into a planetary experience. Notably, the edible spoon 'PACOON' served as a spacecraft, signaling a commitment to sustainability by ensuring all components of the meal could be consumed, generating no waste.

The Award-Winning Dish: Space Cone

The Space Cone is not just a meal; it's a narrative—a journey where astronauts discover small planets in the vast blackness of space. Digging into a Tokachi-enriched planet, astronauts uncover a treasure trove of local ingredients such as pumpkins, azuki beans, potatoes, corn, and dairy products. Two distinct missions cater to different preferences: the "Pumpkin Nebula" for dessert lovers and the "Aurora Planet" for savory enthusiasts. This dual approach allows participants to choose based on their mood or share with friends, fostering a communal dining experience.

A Focus on Design

The design of the Space Cone is deeply thoughtful. The black waffle cone represents outer space, while the layered ingredients symbolize the geologic layers of the universe. Each dish elegantly communicates its cosmic theme:

• - Pumpkin Nebula (Dessert): Pumpkin mont blanc represents the nebula, while mochi serves as the moon, azuki beans are transformed into asteroids, and crumble acts as stardust.
• - Aurora Planet (Savory): A rounded potato salad forms the planet, with asparagus and bacon depicting both the auroras and ground resources, while corn mimics the stars.

Commitment to Sustainability

The edible spoon 'PACOON' is a product developed and sold by the Cosmo Girls, crafted from Hokkaido wheat. This eco-friendly approach ensures that all meal components are consumable, aligning with sustainable practices and the concept of a waste-free environment—ideal for long-term space living.

Award Commentary

The Cosmo Girls' representative, Ai Tobimoto, expressed her sentiments about the award, stating, "Through our theme, we strive to make space accessible and relatable to everyday life. Our space food department aims to pique interest in space through familiar concepts like food, allowing more people to connect with the cosmos. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue creating relatable experiences that ignite curiosity about space."

Team Collaboration

Led by Team Su, the process was gathering input from members across various regions including Tokyo, Ibaraki, Chiba, and Aichi, all through online collaboration. The team shared ideas, leading to the expansive concept that culminated in a sustainable masterpiece using 'PACOON.' Despite many members never having met in person, their cooperation and inventive spirits created a unique sense of camaraderie, especially when they finally gathered in Tokachi.

Contest Details

• - Name: 'Next Orbit Tokachi' Space Food Recipe Contest
• - Theme: "Light Meals to Eat While Remembering Tokachi (Earth) in Space"
• - Organizer: Next Orbit Tokachi Executive Committee
• - Special Collaborators: Japan Airlines (JAL), SPACE COTAN Inc. (HOSPO), and Sapporo Cooperative Association.
• - Final Judging Date: August 14, 2026, during the Tokachi Plain Festival at Obihiro City.
• - Official Website: Link

About Cosmo Girls

Founded in March 2020, Cosmo Girls is a vibrant community led by Kanatta Corporation, dedicated to making space a hobby and profession for women. With members ranging from elementary school students to those in their 60s, the community reflects diversity and inclusivity. By 2024, they successfully launched the satellite "Emma," a pioneering achievement for a team primarily composed of women without prior space development experience. Currently, over 20% of members have transitioned from novices to professionals in the space industry.

For more information about Cosmo Girls and their ongoing initiatives, visit their official website.