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Kuradashi's 'Osechi Rescue' Initiative

As the seasons change and Japanese New Year celebrations pass, a significant challenge arises: the fate of leftover osechi, the traditional Japanese cuisine served during the New Year. In an effort to combat food waste, Kuradashi, a company headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has launched the 'Osechi Rescue' initiative. From February 2 to February 4, 2026, customers can purchase these leftover osechi dishes at an unbeatable discount of up to 80% off the retail price.

The 'Osechi Rescue' campaign addresses an urgent issue that arises after the New Year festivities, as many osechi dishes unfortunately go unsold due to miscalculations in demand. Kuradashi aims to rescue these products that would otherwise contribute to food waste, continuing its mission to promote sustainability and responsible consumption.

Campaign Details

Starting on February 2, Kuradashi will offer a selection of 17 different osechi items at drastically reduced prices. This event follows successful efforts in December 2025, where Kuradashi rescued approximately 13,000 units of potentially wasted osechi, putting its commitment to reducing food waste into action.

• - Campaign Duration: February 2 (Mon) to February 4 (Wed), 2026, until 23:59
• - Sales Location: Social Good Marketplace 'Kuradashi'
• - Discount Rate: Up to 80% off retail prices
• - Target Products: A variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese osechi dishes at risk of being wasted due to surplus inventory.

Background of the Initiative

The tradition of consuming ehomaki, rolled sushi eaten during the Setsubun festival on February 3, further exacerbates the issue of food waste. After this date, demand for seasonal food items plummets, leading to substantial wastage, with estimates indicating that large convenience stores alone may incur up to 300 million yen in unsold ehomaki.

Osechi, a staple during the New Year's celebration, faces similar challenges. The numerous ingredients required for its preparation complicate demand forecasting, leading retailers to base their production plans on prior year's sales, resulting in overstock and waste. In previous years, Kuradashi has effectively tackled this issue, reflecting its dedication to sustainability by rescuing thousands of osechi dishes.

Now that the peak of the New Year festivities is over, the osechi that have not been sold face impending expiration dates, making them vulnerable to waste. With heightened awareness around food waste during this time, Kuradashi sees an opportunity to provide these delicious dishes to more customers, ensuring they can be enjoyed fully.

Social Impact

Kuradashi's commitment goes beyond just selling food—it aims to transform societal challenges into valuable opportunities. By reducing food waste, they contribute positively to both the economy and the environment, fostering a community focused on sustainability.

The company's mission as a 'Social Growth Company' involves addressing various social issues through innovative measures, ensuring a lasting impact on society, the environment, and the economy. They have built a framework that not only reduces food waste but also engages in community development through responsible consumption.

Through the 'Osechi Rescue' initiative, Kuradashi encourages everyone to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine while minimizing waste, showcasing the exciting potential of social good through fun and beneficial shopping experiences. This initiative is a testament to how businesses can align profit with purpose, proving that it is indeed possible to create a positive social and environmental impact while promoting economic growth.

For more information on the 'Osechi Rescue' and other initiatives by Kuradashi, visit their official site.