#Japan #Niigata #Seven & i #Oisix #Niigata Food Tech

New Niigata Food Tech Town: A Vision for Global Leadership

Niigata, known for its abundant food resources, is set to take a significant leap into the future of food technology with the establishment of the "Niigata Food Tech Town" (NFTT). This initiative is spearheaded by Oisix Ra daichi, a prominent subscription-based food service provider, in collaboration with the NSG Group, which is known for its extensive ventures in education, healthcare, and welfare. The project aims to create a thriving ecosystem where innovative entrepreneurs can flourish, with the goal of producing 500 startups by 2026.

In a groundbreaking development, Juntaro Ito, the Chairman of Seven & I Holdings, has accepted the role of advisor for NFTT, starting June 1, 2026. His involvement is seen as a pivotal move to provide essential guidance and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of starting a business.

Background and Purpose of NFTT

NFTT is conceived as a multi-faceted platform that brings together key players across the economic, governmental, academic, and financial sectors under the banner of "All Niigata". This collaboration is crucial for fostering a robust environment (ecosystem) that can elevate the local food tech landscape and empower startups to overcome hurdles they may encounter. As a leader of Japan's retail distribution, Ito's expertise will be vital in shaping the initiative's success.

The program aims to address various challenges facing the food industry, such as sustainability, food waste reduction, and support for local agriculture. Given the interconnected nature of these issues, NFTT emphasizes that solutions must be collaborative, involving diverse stakeholders who share their insights and technologies.

Role of Juntaro Ito as Advisor

Juntaro Ito's role as NFTT advisor will encompass several key responsibilities aimed at enhancing the startup journey:

• - Direct Mentorship: He will provide hands-on advice to seed and early-stage startups, leveraging his knowledge of business development to foster growth.
• - Participation in Events: Ito is expected to engage in NFTT-hosted summits and events, contributing as a judge for pitch contests and offering public talks that inspire entrepreneurship.
• - Strategic Input: With his experience, he will make recommendations that facilitate the establishment of an effective ecosystem, ensuring that NFTT remains aligned with market needs.

Introduction of Juntaro Ito

Juntaro Ito has a rich background with Seven-Eleven Japan, where he held various roles including guiding regional store management and leading marketing efforts. His transition to Seven & I Holdings in 2009 saw him taking on significant leadership roles such as Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of the Superstore Business. His wealth of experience provides a solid foundation for the innovative ambitions of NFTT.

"Establishing Niigata as a collaborative hub where startups, large corporations, academia, government, and financial institutions work together is crucial for accelerating the sustainable growth of Japan's food tech industry," says Ito. "This initiative is significant, and we are committed to addressing various food-related challenges through collaborative efforts. By leveraging our experiences, we hope to drive NFTT into a phase of practical implementation that leads to tangible co-creation and commercialization."

Overview of NFTT

The Niigata Food Tech Town represents a strategic initiative by Oisix Ra daichi and NSG Group aimed at building a world-class food tech ecosystem in Niigata. By capitalizing on Japan's rich culinary heritage, advanced fermentation techniques, and a concentration of food companies and research institutions, NFTT aspires to enhance international competitiveness. The initiative will support startups through a specialized food tech fund, collaborative proof-of-concept experiments with large corporations, and global expansion endeavors through international partnerships.

The ambition to create 500 startups, along with a cumulative sales goal of 500 billion yen, reflects a commitment to not only invigorating the food industry but also addressing social challenges. As concerns over food security and health rise, NFTT aims to fortify Japan's food industry's competitiveness and sustainable growth by generating new industries centered around food.

Oisix Ra daichi Company Profile

Oisix Ra daichi, known for brands like Oisix, Radish Boya, and Daichi wo Mamoru Kai, offers a variety of safe and reliable agricultural products and meal kits through subscription services. With subsidiaries that cater to corporate dining, healthcare meals, and even mobile shopping services, Oisix Ra daichi is at the forefront of tackling food-related social issues. Their commitment to sustainable retail aligns with SDGs and aims to eliminate food waste from farm to table through innovations such as meal kits that reduce home food waste.