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Toriniko: Leading the Fight Against Food Waste in Kamakura

In recent years, food waste has become a pressing issue across Japan, and innovative solutions are now being deployed to tackle this problem head-on. One such initiative that has gained significant recognition is the food waste reduction app, Toriniko. Developed and operated by Quagga LLC, located in Sumida, Tokyo, Toriniko aims to bridge the gap between local consumers and food businesses in the Shonan area, particularly in Kamakura, Fujisawa, Chigasaki, Hiratsuka, Zushi, Yokosuka, and Miura.

On November 8, 2025, Toriniko was awarded the bronze prize in the startup category at the 2nd Kamakura Circular Award, an event designed to promote circular economy initiatives within the community. The award emphasizes innovative approaches to reduce waste and foster sustainable practices, making Toriniko's recognition a significant milestone in its journey.

Addressing the Dilemma of Food Waste

Food businesses often face a dilemma regarding inventory management, leading to food waste. Local bakeries, traditional sweet shops, and cake stores struggle to accurately predict the quantity of goods they need to prepare. Creating too much food results in leftovers, while producing too little may disappoint customers. Toriniko was launched to address these challenges, providing a platform where local shops can connect with consumers eager to purchase high-quality food items at discounted prices.

By facilitating this connection, Toriniko plays a key role in reducing food waste while simultaneously supporting local businesses. The app enables users to discover local shops and avail themselves of bargains while contributing to a more sustainable environment. This seamless integration of consumer needs and business challenges has been widely appreciated, leading to the app's success in the recent awards.

The Kamakura Circular Award committee praised the app for its ability to create a cohesive approach toward waste reduction. Judges noted, “The concept was easy to visualize. In a city like Kamakura, where individual shops thrive, services like Toriniko are essential in fostering a community focused on tackling food waste collaboratively. It’s a warm and inviting solution.”

Moving Forward: The Path for Toriniko

As Toriniko continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to reduce food waste and invigorate the local economy. The app is not just focused on waste reduction; it aims to create a sense of community and shared responsibility among users and local businesses.

The platform encourages businesses to list surplus items, allowing consumers to purchase them at reduced prices and minimize waste. This system of circulation is crucial in creating a world where resources are optimally utilized, and waste is significantly reduced.

Toriniko isn't just about profits; it’s about making sustainable choices accessible to everyone, supporting the local economy, and decreasing the environmental impact of food waste. The team behind Toriniko is committed to expanding its services and enhancing the user experience, empowering more individuals to join in the effort to combat food waste.

About Toriniko

Toriniko operates fundamentally as a food-sharing platform connecting local stores and consumers in the Shonan region, particularly focusing on the areas of Fujisawa, Chigasaki, Hiratsuka, Kamakura, Zushi, Yokosuka, and Miura. The service is designed to promote sustainable purchasing habits while ensuring that quality food is not wasted. Discover more about Toriniko’s offerings by visiting their official website or following them on Instagram.

Background on Kamakura Circular Award

The Kamakura Circular Award, rooted in initiatives like “Zero Waste Kamakura,” aims to encourage the development of a circular economy in the region by recognizing innovative projects and ideas that contribute to sustainable community growth. The award consists of three categories—citizen, startup, and business—calling for a wide range of applications to evaluate and enhance mutual efforts toward sustainability.

For more information concerning the Kamakura Circular Award, visit the official award site.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Quagga LLC
• - Business Focus: Reducing bakery waste with Rebake services, gluten-free subscription plans, and food-related consulting.
• - Representatives: Yuya Saito, Kazutoshi Tsurumi
• - Location: 1-2-10 Yahiro, Sumida, Tokyo
• - Established: August 2018
• - Official Site: quagga.life