Introducing Toriniko: A Local Initiative to Reduce Food Waste in Shonan

Introduction

Food waste is more than an environmental issue; it is a matter of the heart—this is the philosophy behind the launch of Toriniko, a new app designed to reduce food waste in the Shonan area, specifically in Yokosuka and Fujisawa. Created by Quagga LLC, which operates the popular bread delivery service rebake, Toriniko aims to connect local restaurants with the community to foster a culture of waste reduction.

The Concept of Toriniko

Toriniko is an innovative app focused on minimizing food waste generated by restaurants in the Shonan area. It facilitates the sale of surplus food and matches local residents with food providers, establishing a system where lovingly crafted products can circulate efficiently within the community, reducing waste and fostering a sense of togetherness.

Users can browse available products on the app, make reservations, and pick up their items at the restaurant before closing hours. This smooth process directly connects consumers with the creators of their food—ensuring that some of the warmth and care from local businesses is preserved even in their surplus.

Background Behind Toriniko

The genesis of Toriniko stems from the experiences of CEO Yuya Saito, who lives in Shonan and has a deep fondness for the area. Through his routine visits to local cafes and bakeries, he came to appreciate the warm exchanges and personal connections that exist between customers and local businesses. This community spirit inspired the development of an app that serves not just as a marketplace, but as a means to cultivate relationships among residents and local eateries.

Having launched rebake in 2018, Saito's company has played a pivotal role in providing a platform for consumers to access delicious bread that might otherwise go to waste. He has realized through these endeavors that food waste is more than just an environmental concern; it’s an issue that touches the very soul of the community. The exchanges between producers and consumers represent a love story, a bond that Toriniko aims to nurture in the heart of Shonan.

Transition from Online to Offline

While running rebake, Saito discovered several restaurants expressed their struggles with running online deliveries. They found the packaging and shipping processes burdensome, and many were unable to participate in the rebake model due to these logistical challenges. This led Saito to envision Toriniko as a means to create a more personal, community-based engagement.

The mission that guided rebake—providing a happy life for both food and people—remains unchanged. Toriniko represents a significant step toward engaging the community in food waste reduction efforts seamlessly and more personally.

Aiming for Community-Centric Waste Reduction

Moving forward, the ambition is not to expand nationwide at once but to establish Shonan as a model region where food waste reduction becomes the norm embraced by all residents. Saito believes that collective action, even if it is as simple as one person saving a single piece of candy each day, can enact significant changes in the world. Through Toriniko, small actions can create a cycle of awareness, understanding, and action that ultimately transforms the community for the better.

Shonan aspires to be the epicenter of this movement, with dreams of expanding its impact across the country in the future.

More About Toriniko

Toriniko serves as a vital connection between consumers and local merchants in Shonan, including Fujisawa, Chigasaki, Hiratsuka, Kamakura, Zushi, Yokosuka, and Miura. The platform allows residents to purchase quality food at discounted prices while promoting environmentally-friendly choices. It aims to ensure that surplus food from shops circulates within the neighborhood, contributing to a world with less waste.

For more information, visit:

- Toriniko Website
- Instagram

Insight into Rebake

Rebake operates as one of Japan's largest online platforms for purchasing specialty bread, contributing to the reduction of food waste by providing access to bread that may not sell out. Users can enjoy these gourmet offerings from the comfort of home while positively affecting society by addressing food waste issues. For more information, visit:

Company Overview

Quagga LLC, founded in August 2018 and headquartered in Sumida, Tokyo, specializes in reducing food waste through surefire initiatives like rebake and offers gluten-free subscription services and food consulting. Yuya Saito and Kazutoshi Tsurumi lead the company, committed to enabling a more sustainable food economy.