Innovative Regional Collaboration Project in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan

Regional Collaboration in Zentsuji City

In an exciting initiative, CoCo JAPAN, spearheaded by the Mori Trust Group, has launched a collaboration project in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture. This project is centered around the region’s specialty product, Sanuki Mochi Barley Daishimochi, which will be creatively used to foster community engagement and promote local cuisine.

Zentsuji City, known for its rich history and culture, is the birthplace of the esteemed monk Kukai. The city has a wealth of natural blessings and resources, including the organically grown Sanuki Mochi Barley, which is gaining recognition for its health benefits. This collaborative project brings together university students from metropolitan areas, local producers, municipalities, and businesses to rediscover and rewrite the narrative of Zentsuji through the lens of food.

Project Goals and Activities

The primary aim of the initiative is to create new value for the Sanuki Mochi Barley Daishimochi and expand communal appreciation and exchange. To achieve this, a regional experiential program is set to take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026, across various locations in Zentsuji City. Approximately 20 students from institutions, including Kagawa University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tsuda University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture, will actively engage under the mentorship of the chef from the Dining & Bar LAVAROCK in Kamiyacho.

Participants will explore production sites, interact with local producers, and engage in fieldwork to uncover regional resources. Additionally, they will learn about the city’s cultural heritage, which will help deepen their understanding of Zentsuji. The capstone of this program will be a presentation where the students will showcase their innovative menu ideas and promotional strategies, receiving constructive feedback from the chef based on culinary expertise.

Following this phase, students will combine their creative ideas with the chef's professional knowledge to develop new culinary offerings, slated for a limited-time menu launch at Dining & Bar LAVAROCK in the upcoming autumn.

The Chef's Perspective

Chef Takahashi, who visited Zentsuji for the first time, expressed his excitement about connecting with the local community and experiencing the region's enchanting natural environment. He stated, “The Sanuki Mochi Barley Daishimochi is not just an ingredient; it embodies the unique essence of the region. The students brought forth numerous innovative concepts that provided me with fresh insights as a chef. Together, we're not just creating delicious dishes, but also aiming to inspire a desire to visit Zentsuji through our menus.”

Future Prospects with CoCo JAPAN

CoCo JAPAN is committed to fostering collaborations with local governments and businesses across Japan to unearth and promote the unique character of each community. With the current enthusiasm around regional food and culture, they aspire to cultivate meaningful relationships that drive sustainable development and bring vibrancy to local economies.

About Zentsuji City

Zentsuji City is located in the northwestern part of Kagawa Prefecture, known for its historical significance as Kukai's birthplace. With a focus on leveraging its fertile lands to produce the highly coveted Sanuki Mochi Barley Daishimochi, the city actively seeks to generate a symbiotic relationship between local residents and urban consumers, creating new value through appreciation and understanding.

For more information about Zentsuji City, visit Zentsuji City Official Site.

About CoCo JAPAN

Launched in July 2022 by the Mori Trust Group, CoCo JAPAN aims to support local municipalities in discovering, nurturing, and promoting their unique local products through various initiatives. They actively engage in exhibitions and events held in their facilities nationwide to enhance recognition and expand the market for local goods.

Learn more about CoCo JAPAN at CoCo JAPAN Official Site.

About Mori Trust Group

Mori Trust Group is a comprehensive real estate developer based in Tokyo, specializing in large-scale urban development and national hotel and resort businesses. They are dedicated to preserving historical buildings and enhancing Japan's global competitiveness through innovative projects.

To find out more, visit Mori Trust Group Official Site.