Okayama University and Koeido Corporation Collaborate to Preserve Traditions and Innovate with New Values

A Modern Approach to Tradition: Collaborating for Kibi Dango's Future

On November 26, 2025, Okayama University (OU) and Koeido Corporation, renowned for its iconic Kibi Dango confectionery, announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at preserving the traditional essence while ensuring sustainable innovation. The collaboration addresses pressing agricultural challenges while aiming to elevate Kibi Dango's quality through scientific methods.

Okayama University's President, Yasuyuki Nasuh, and Koeido's President, Koichi Takeda, jointly shared their commitment to transforming local agricultural practices. As Koeido faces difficulties in sourcing high-quality, specially cultivated mochi rice due to aging farmers in the Takamatsu district of Okayama City, academia steps in to find solutions. Assistant Professor Katsutoshi Onaka from OU's Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences has been pivotal in matching young agricultural entrepreneurs from the Fujita area with Koeido, facilitating a cooperative system of cultivation. This initiative marks a significant step toward maintaining a consistent supply of ingredients essential for Kibi Dango production.

The partnership also pursues scientific methods to ensure the distinct flavor of Kibi Dango remains unchanged despite shifts in production locales. Collaborative research is being undertaken with Akita Prefectural University, focusing on the impact of rice cultivation conditions and starch structure on texture and flavor. Led by OU's Professor Toshio Yamamoto, a team of experts aims to document and refine the traditional taste through data-driven practices, heralded as a 'Dream Team' effort.

In tandem, efforts to quantify the carbon footprint of Kibi Dango, a traditional confectionery, arise from a joint study with MS&AD Inter Risk Research Institute. This study, involving OU's Economic Research Lab, tests how eco-friendly practices influence consumer behavior, thus creating additional customer value.

During the press conference, President Takeda remarked, "As a company rooted in the community, we are determined to tackle societal issues caused by aging farmers through university collaboration." President Nasuh emphasized OU's mission, stating, "This initiative represents a paradigm of how Okayama University can create new values in collaboration with the community, driving social change." He reiterated the university's commitment to engaging with local businesses to foster innovation and overcome challenges.

Through its long-term vision set for 2050, Okayama University envisions a research institution contributing to sustainable futures for both local communities and the planet. The university is dedicated to deploying its diverse research capabilities to solve regional challenges and contribute to the well-being of society. This collaboration with Koeido epitomizes such endeavors, promising a fruitful synergy between tradition and modernity.

Both institutions are excited about the journey ahead and invite the public to witness the positive changes brought about by this innovative partnership.

For further inquiries and details about this collaboration, visit Okayama University and Koeido Corporation.