#Japan #Food Waste #Okayama #Okayama University #Nokori Fuku

Introduction

In an innovative move against food waste, Okayama University has unveiled the 'Nokori Fuku Campaign 2026', set to run from January 9 to March 31, 2026. Building on its previous initiatives, this campaign is aimed at utilizing live feeds from supermarket food sections to create a unique blend of consumer awareness and technology.

Campaign Overview

The campaign involves three participating organizations from the Okayama region, including four supermarkets and cooperatives. At these locations, web cameras will be installed to stream live footage of the food sections. Utilizing advanced AI-OCR technology, the campaign will scan discount food labels for detailed information such as product names, standard prices, and discount rates. This information will then be sent to a dedicated mobile application, allowing users to receive live updates on available discounts.

Additionally, shoppers can benefit from coupon rewards within the app. For each coupon redeemed, a donation of 10 yen will be made to food bank organizations, thereby supporting community initiatives to mitigate hunger and food waste.

The campaign plans to collect and analyze data from app usage, point-of-sale systems, and shopper dynamics. This data will facilitate an in-depth validation of the campaign's impact on reducing food waste, ultimately aiding broader social efforts against this pressing issue.

Objectives and Goals

The 'Nokori Fuku Campaign 2026' builds upon the success of previously conducted programs between 2022 and 2024. During this time, Okayama University successfully showcased the potential of technology to create awareness and engage consumers in eco-friendly practices. With ongoing education and community engagement being key objectives, the upcoming campaign aims to further contribute to sustainability initiatives through measurable outcomes.

By partnering with local businesses, the university looks to foster a cooperative environment where food waste management can be a shared responsibility. The research findings generated throughout the campaign will be shared with industry stakeholders, including grocery store associations and governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This collaboration is integral to promote a deeper understanding and societal implementation of food waste reduction measures.

Participating Partners

The campaign will feature four primary establishments:
1. Okayama University Cooperative Bookstore
2. Pione Shop
3. Okayama Co-op - Coop Ohnotsu
4. Tenmaya Store - Happy's Tsushima

Each participant will support the campaign by distributing educational materials like posters and flyers, emphasizing the importance of discount products for food waste reduction. Furthermore, they will actively engage audiences through online advertising, social media strategies, and targeted push notifications via the app.

Technology Integration

The success of this campaign leans heavily on the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Collaborations with tech companies such as People Software for app functionalities and Organon for AI-OCR food label reading systems mark a significant step forward in using technology for social good.

Moreover, marketing strategies will be supported by Total Design Center, ensuring that the communication resonates well with the target audience. Through continuous monitoring and feedback loops, adjustments can be made to optimize engagement and effectiveness during the campaign runtime.

Conclusion

As Okayama University moves towards launching the 'Nokori Fuku Campaign 2026', the initiative continues to embody the spirit of sustainability and collaborative action. By intertwining advanced technology with community-driven approaches, the campaign takes significant strides toward not only reducing food waste but also enhancing societal awareness about sustainable practices. With the ongoing endorsement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Okayama University remains committed to being a key player in fostering a resilient and aware community.

Stay tuned for further updates and details about how you can participate in this impactful campaign. Together, we can contribute to a waste-free future!