#Japan #Tokyo #Bonsai Foods #Chulalongkorn University #Disaster Academia

Bridging Cultures Through Disaster Awareness

On January 7, 2026, Bonsai Foods Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, held an international disaster prevention exchange program, showcasing the collaboration between students from Tokyo Science University and the prestigious Chulalongkorn University of Thailand. This initiative aimed to enhance disaster awareness through food culture, emphasizing mutual understanding and preparedness.

Program Overview

The event, which took place at Bonsai Foods and also included remote participation via Zoom from Tamachi, was attended by 23 students from Chulalongkorn University, 15 from Tokyo Science University, and three selected junior high and high school researchers from the 'Disaster Research Academy.' The program sought to engage participants in discussions centered around disaster preparedness from an international perspective.

Key elements of the program included:
1. Opening and Company Presentation: The Head of the Corporate Planning Department at Bonsai Foods, Mr. Masao Ueno, introduced the company's 90-year history and highlighted its dedication to multi-cultural disaster awareness through food. They presented their innovative freeze-dried alpha rice technology, which allows cooked rice to be prepared simply by adding hot or cold water, in addition to showcasing the company's certifications for space food by JAXA and its use by Antarctic research teams.

2. Student Presentations: Notably, junior high and high school researchers shared their award-winning studies during English presentations. One highlighted the need for emergency medication in disaster kits, revealing that 54.1% of surveyed students did not include any medications. This presentation, along with others, sparked discussions and provided insight into how young minds approach disaster preparedness with a focus on real-world applications.

3. Cultural Cooking Experience: Participants engaged in an interactive cooking demonstration, using various types of alpha rice. Recipes included a standard five-grain rice and halal options. The joy of enjoying these meals led to beneficial discussions about dietary inclusivity and enhancing disaster preparedness in diverse cultural contexts.

4. International Discussion and Closing: Through small group discussions, participants explored the differing disaster risks faced by Japan and Thailand, sharing insights on emergency food supply and the importance of disaster education in schools. The discussions reinforced the critical nature of these international programs in building a comprehensive understanding of global challenges related to disaster preparedness.

The Impact of the Program

The essence of the 'Disaster Research Academy' lies in its ability to foster practical research among students over an extensive period. As students prepared to face disasters unfamiliar to them in different countries, the feedback received during the program illustrated a clear need for intercultural dialogues. Reviews from participating Thai students reflected interest in various aspects of Japanese disaster food, expressing appreciation for flavors that resonated with their diets, reinforcing the notion that food should not divide but unite people.

Furthermore, this program serves as a foundation for developing crucial insights into disaster preparedness. The enhanced understanding gained from this cultural exchange will lead to collaborative efforts in research and development of products that cater to diverse needs, ensuring that no one is left behind in critical times.

Bonsai Foods reaffirms its commitment to providing safe and delicious food options that are accessible to people from all backgrounds. As they look toward the future, the experiences and insights gathered from this exchange will help further their mission of ensuring everyone has access to quality emergency food options, prepared diligently for all situations.

Conclusion

The international disaster prevention exchange program was not merely an academic exercise but a vital reflection of cultural intersections where food safety, disaster awareness, and mutual respect converge. By facilitating ongoing dialogue and understanding, Bonsai Foods and Tokyo Science University are ever more committed to fostering a world where preparedness against disasters transcends cultural boundaries. The hope is to continue expanding this network of ideas and collaboration, moving towards a more secure global community.

Bonsai Foods' dedication to providing long-term food solutions will ensure that, in a world fraught with unpredictability, everyone can always enjoy safe and nourishing meals.

Contact Information for Bonsai Foods

• - Business Scope: Manufacturing and distribution of long-term preserved foods
• - CEO: Shinsuke Ichikawa
• - Location: 3-9-1 Shibaura, Minato, Tokyo, 108-0023, Japan
• - Website: Bonsai Foods