#Japan #Yokohama #Family Event #New Quick #Cooking Oil Museum

New Quick's Summer Research Project: A Taste of Learning

This year, New Quick, a leading meat retailer with 82 stores across Japan, hosted its popular summer event, the 'New Quick Summer Research Support Project', on August 3, 2026. The event took place at the Nisshin OilliO Abura Museum in Yokohama's Isogo district, allowing families to delve into the production of cooking oil.

In 2025, the event attracted over 600 applicants, and from this pool, 11 families—totaling 28 participants—were chosen to explore the museum and its offerings. The day was filled with excitement as attendees rotated through the vast factory grounds, learning about the cooking oil production process, food safety, and environmental efforts in a fun and educational atmosphere.

Orientation and Video Presentation

The event kicked off with a welcome address from New Quick representatives, followed by a video overview of Nisshin OilliO’s operations. This included neat visuals illustrating how raw materials like soybeans and canola are transformed through various steps—extraction, refining, and packaging—before reaching our tables. The children were fascinated to learn about the complexity involved in producing cooking oil, igniting their curiosity and anticipation for the factory tour.

Touring the Expansive Factory Grounds

Participants boarded a tour bus to navigate the extensive factory area. From their seats, they observed oil extraction and refining facilities, as well as silos storing raw materials. They learned how leftover meal from the oil extraction process is repurposed for animal feed or fertilizer, contributing to sustainability.

A highlight of the day was witnessing a cargo ship arriving at the port nearby, delivering the raw ingredients. This rare sight drew amazed reactions from participants, adding an unexpected thrill to their visit.

Insight into the High-Speed Packaging Line

Next, attendees visited the packaging line, where oil is filled into containers at an impressive rate of 200 bottles per minute. The facility practices strict hygiene protocols, including facial recognition for entry, special uniforms to avoid contamination, and air showers. The children had the chance to experience these hygiene measures firsthand, and they were visibly delighted by the smooth operation of the automated production process.

They watched as the sequence unfolded—from container cleaning to filling, capping, labeling, and boxing—through the large glass windows overlooking the bustling activity on the line. The excitement in the room palpable as the kids followed the rapid movement of containers and lids.

Learning at the Abura Museum

Their educational journey continued at the interactive Nisshin OilliO Abura Museum. Various hands-on exhibits displayed the types and roles of oils in cooking. In an engaging game, participants used chopsticks to 'fry' croquettes on-screen, mimicking the sounds of sizzling oil.

Additionally, they explored a cooking station featuring food samples where they flipped pancakes and stir-fried meat and vegetables, discovering the crucial role oil plays in making these dishes delicious. Young learners were astonished to find out that oil is included in a variety of common foods and even everyday products, prompting questions of surprise and delight.

Oil Quiz Challenge

A particularly popular segment was the 'Oil Knowledge Quiz', where families faced multiple-choice questions covering intriguing facts about oils. Participants learned why sesame oil has a distinct aroma and the meaning behind 'salad oil.' The room buzzed with cheers and applause following each question, reinforcing the day’s learning objectives and encouraging camaraderie among participants.

Crafting Custom Dressings

The event concluded with a session where families created their own salad dressings using various oils such as MCT oil, sesame oil, and olive oil combined with basic condiments like soy sauce and vinegar. The participants were given containers to mix their chosen ingredients, leading to the creation of dressings that could be taken home, enhancing their home meals and inspiring future creativity in the kitchen.

This factory visit allowed families to understand the impressive journey of cooking oil from raw materials to finished product while highlighting significant issues like quality management, hygiene practices, and the efficient use of energy. Engaging activities, quizzes, and hands-on experiences facilitated a deeper interest in food and cooking for the children.

New Quick continues to emphasize that cooking oil serves as an essential ingredient in their prepared foods, utilizing Nisshin OilliO oils in items like 'Nikuchiki' and 'Yamagata Beef Korokke'. Educational experiences are a vital part of their mission to connect consumers with the quality of their products. Going forward, they remain committed to providing opportunities for learning and engagement that will address customer interests in enjoying quality food.”

Event Overview:

• - Project Name: New Quick Summer Research Support Project 'Visit to Nisshin OilliO Abura Museum'
• - Date: August 3, 2026 (Mon), from 10:00 to 12:30
• - Location: Nisshin OilliO Yokohama Isogo Plant
• - Participants: 11 families with elementary school children
• - Participation Fee: Free

Note: Photos used in the article are from the event held.