#Japan #Tokyo #Craft Beer #OTEMOTO Project #Russian Sato

Transforming “Worthless” Ingredients into Delicious Craft Beers

The OTEMOTO Project, spearheaded by Russian Sato from Edgeneer LLC, is set to revolutionize how we perceive food waste. Scheduled for launch in August 2025, this innovative initiative focuses on upcycling underutilized or unused ingredients into new products, starting with two unique craft beers: MONSTER HAZY IPA and Sally-chan Saison.

Background of the OTEMOTO Project

The agricultural, fisheries, and food processing industries face a significant problem: a surplus of ingredients that, despite being safe to consume, often go underutilized due to cost and labor constraints. Coupled with challenges such as climate change and an aging workforce, many producers are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their resources effectively.

With the motto of “A Happy Table for Everyone,” the OTEMOTO Project reinforces this initiative through various channels, including YouTube and e-commerce. They aim to highlight the charm of food and engage consumers through product development that utilizes these still-edible ingredients.

Key Features of the New Series

1. Utilization of Unused Ingredients: This innovative approach involves repurposing byproducts and hard-to-use items generated during processing, creating high-quality new products.
2. Addressing Local Producer Challenges: By sharing the stories behind their products through YouTube videos and their e-commerce store, OTEMOTO Project simultaneously promotes and supports local producers.
3. Multi-Channel Promotion: Leveraging diverse platforms—YouTube, social media, e-commerce, and events—enables OTEMOTO to spread its mission across the nation.

The Premiere Products: Craft Beer

Features of OTEMOTO’s Craft Beers

• - Sally-chan Saison: This refreshing brew incorporates malt and ancient rice (varietal: Princess Sally). It boasts a light, crisp flavor with low bitterness, making it accessible for newcomers to craft beer.
• - MONSTER HAZY IPA: Infused with byproducts from craft cola (including vanilla beans, ginger, and lemon), this IPA offers a powerful spice character paired with four hop varieties and a notable aftertaste.

Note: The legal drinking age in Japan is 20, and drinking and driving is prohibited.

Future Developments for the OTEMOTO Project

The initiative plans to extend its reach beyond craft beer into products like fish sauce from fish processing scraps, ramen, and curries made with game meats. By building a unique circular model that connects underutilized ingredients with consumers, the project aims to maximize the benefits of local resources.

Collaboration Opportunities

The OTEMOTO Project is currently accepting inquiries from producers, municipalities, and businesses interested in supplying or co-developing unused ingredients. Interested parties can reach out through the official OTEMOTO contact page.

Understanding Food Waste

The term “food waste” includes:

• - Byproducts from food manufacturing, such as vegetable peels, seeds, and fish bones.
• - Old rice and grains that have passed their prime.
• - Products that are surplus and hard to value in the market, despite being high quality and safe.

These ingredients often remain underutilized due to cost constraints and labor challenges, but the OTEMOTO Project aims to “re-edit” them, delivering deliciousness and stories across Japan.

About Russian Sato

Russian Sato, the face of the OTEMOTO Project, began her journey in 2008 by shocking Japanese audiences on TV with her incredible appetite. In 2016, she launched her YouTube channel, “It’s Time to Get Hungry MONSTER!”, which garnered significant popularity among women. After retiring from competitive eating in 2021, she redirected her passion toward ensuring that everyone can enjoy their own “happy table.”
Through daily explorations of various “delicious” themes on YouTube, Sato continues to share her culinary journey while promoting the core values of the OTEMOTO Project.

Find out more at OTEMOTO Store where quality ingredients are showcased with their stories.