Kuradashi Research Initiatives
2025-04-25 06:51:54

Kuradashi Collaborates with Universities to Promote Social Good and Reduce Food Waste

Kuradashi Collaborates with Universities for Social Good



Kuradashi, a social good marketplace, recently held the final report meeting for a joint research initiative with Ibaraki University and Hosei University. This project, backed by the Kuradashi Fund, began in September 2024 and aimed to tackle societal issues such as food loss and promote sustainable practices through education. The final meeting, hosted at Kuradashi's headquarters in Tokyo, showcased the outcomes of this collaboration.

In light of the success achieved in 2024, Kuradashi is now inviting applications for additional research support for seminars and study groups for the 2025 fiscal year. Interested parties can access the application form here.

With a clear mission to remain a social good company and a vision to be the leading organization in reducing food loss in Japan, Kuradashi is dedicated to addressing social challenges sustainably. The Kuradashi Fund, which supports various educational initiatives such as SDGs-specialized courses, plays a crucial role in this commitment.

The Joint Research Initiative


The collaboration involved Ibaraki University's Emiko Ishijima Laboratory and Hosei University's Masatoshi Doi Laboratory, with research commencing in September 2024 and culminating in February 2025. During the final report meeting, students from both universities presented their findings in a series of 20-minute presentations. The event witnessed lively discussions, including participation from government officials, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and deepening understanding of the research initiatives.

In addition to the student presentations, Hosei University explored ways to integrate the findings into a curriculum for credit, potentially through initiatives like the Kuradashi Challenge, which offers students hands-on opportunities to engage with agricultural communities and explore food sustainability.

Research Themes and Achievements


Ibaraki University's Project

  • - Theme: Upcycling of Sweet Potato Residues and Development of a Food Loss Education Program
  • - Goals: Strengthen local communities and contribute to sustainable regional development through collaboration among local government, industry, and academia.

Achievements:

  • - Developed and showcased upcycled products made from sweet potato residues at various events, enhancing awareness about food loss.
  • - Organized the “Upcycle Forum 2024,” which featured recipe and character competitions aimed at encouraging local teenagers to address community issues.
  • - Won the Grand Prize at the 5th Student Regional Development and Exchange Award Final Judgment.
  • - Developed a food loss educational program using upcycled sweet potato products, with eight SDGs seminars held in educational settings.
  • - Published a learning handbook on food loss and regional problem-solving.

Hosei University's Project

  • - Theme: International Comparison of Social Innovation Processes in the Food Industry
  • - Goals: To analyze Japan's food industry practices, particularly the “one-third rule” of distribution, in comparison with international examples.

Achievements:

  • - Established a framework for comparative analysis of domestic practices and case studies from the U.S. and Europe.
  • - Conducted fieldwork in Taiwan and Germany, interviewing local experts to gather qualitative data on institutional norms and stakeholder practices.
  • - Secured competitive research funding from government authorities for a four-year continuation of this research project starting in April 2025.

Invitation for Research Participation


Following the positive outcomes from the 2024 collaborative research, Kuradashi has decided to continue its support for 2025. The company is inviting seminars and study groups to apply for research sponsorship.

Application Details:

  • - Deadline: May 18, 2025, 23:59.
  • - Research Funding: A total of ¥1,500,000 for up to three organizations, with no upper limits per group.
  • - Successful applicants will receive funding and access to Kuradashi’s extensive networks and resources.

Kuradashi’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future


Kuradashi is committed to accelerating research that addresses social issues and fosters future social entrepreneurs through this joint research program. The company identifies five key areas of materiality that underpin its sustainable operations, ranging from the reduction of food waste to enhancing access to delicious foods.

For more information about Kuradashi, please visit their website: Kuradashi.

About Kuradashi


Founded in July 2014, Kuradashi is based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and operates as a social good market aimed at minimizing food waste while supporting various social initiatives. Their core belief is that enjoyable and beneficial shopping experiences can lead to significant social change.



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