#Japan #Hiroshima #Aoyama Gakuin #Murakami Farm #Broccoli Sprout

Aoyama Gakuin University and Murakami Farm Partner to Enhance Sports Nutrition

On August 14, 2025, Aoyama Gakuin University's long-distance track and field team entered a partnership with Murakami Farm, a leading producer of sprouted vegetables based in Hiroshima. This unique collaboration aims to improve athlete performance and condition from a nutritional perspective by leveraging the benefits of Broccoli Super Sprout, a product known for its health benefits.

Murakami Farm boasts a strong market presence as the number one agricultural producer of sprouted vegetables in Japan, a title it has earned through its commitment to quality and innovation. The partnership with Aoyama Gakuin University, renowned for its strong track and field program, represents a pioneering effort to merge the realms of sports and health-oriented nutrition.

The focal product of this initiative, Broccoli Super Sprout, is particularly noted for its significant concentration of sulforaphane, a compound that helps mitigate oxidative stress—a common challenge faced by athletes during rigorous training. Research has shown that sulforaphane not only supports athletes' recovery but may also boost overall performance.

As a part of this partnership, a nutrition seminar was conducted during the summer training camp for the Aoyama Gakuin track and field team. Athletes, coaches, and staff participated in learning about the nutritional advantages of Broccoli Super Sprout. Furthermore, the seminar, along with footage from the training camp, will be featured on the Murakami Farm’s official YouTube channel, offering insights into this new nutritional venture for the wider community. You can check it out here.

The collaboration between Murakami Farm and Aoyama Gakuin University aims to redefine societal perceptions surrounding food and health, especially in the context of sports nutrition.

Future Initiatives

The partnership has exciting plans for future initiatives, including:
1. A special YouTube dialogue between Haru Shin, the head coach of Aoyama Gakuin’s long-distance team, and Kiyotaka Murakami, CEO of Murakami Farm.
2. Development of nutritious recipes featuring Broccoli Super Sprout, created with the supervision of the Aoyama Gakuin University team.
3. The inclusion of Broccoli Super Sprout in the diet at the university’s dining facility, BLUE PEAK Cafeteria.
4. Launching a dedicated website to promote this initiative.
5. Joint communication via official social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Insights from Leaders

Haru Shin, head coach of Aoyama Gakuin University's long-distance team, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “In long-distance running, your body is your greatest asset. Reducing unseen fatigue is crucial to enhance performance. Thus, it is essential for us to incorporate beneficial foods. We are thrilled to explore Broccoli Super Sprout, known for its high nutritional value and convenience.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent intake of the sprout, ensuring that athletes enjoy its benefits daily.

In a statement, Kiyotaka Murakami highlighted the scientific background of sulforaphane, explaining its role in enhancing the body's antioxidant enzyme activity. By providing this sprout continuously, Murakami wishes to support the athletes of Aoyama Gakuin University from within, nurturing their potential much like the young sprouts grown by his farm.

About Broccoli Super Sprout

Broccoli Super Sprout is a unique product cultivated exclusively by Murakami Farm, featuring sprouted broccoli at just three days old, which contains over 20 times the amount of sulforaphane compared to regular broccoli. This nutrient-dense vegetable, developed with the collaboration of Dr. Paul Talalay from Johns Hopkins University, is available solely through Murakami Farm in Japan and has witnessed a dramatic increase in demand due to rising health consciousness among consumers.

At the forefront of agricultural innovation, Murakami Farm employs advanced cultivation techniques to ensure consistent quality and nutritional content all year round. For more information on Broccoli Super Sprout, visit the brand’s website at Broccoli Super Sprout.

Company Background

Murakami Farm was established in January 1978, led by CEO Kiyotaka Murakami. The farm specializes in producing high-nutrient vegetables, including Broccoli Super Sprout and pea shoots. In the last decade, the company's output has grown exponentially, with an estimated revenue of 11.37 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2024. With several production centers, including locations in Hokkaido and Hiroshima, Murakami Farm continues to thrive and innovate. For further details, explore their official site at Murakami Farm.