#Japan #Tokyo #Functional Foods #Food labeling #Kinoken Association

Celebrating 10 Years of Trusted Education in Functional Foods

As of 2026, the Functional Foods Certification Association will launch its 25th online course, celebrating a decade of providing exceptional education in the field of functional food labeling. With over 800 alumni and endorsements from major companies and media, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of the new rules announced by the Consumer Affairs Agency in 2025.

Course Overview

The upcoming online course will run from May 4, 2026, to the end of August, structured into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, allowing learners to acquire expert skills step by step. Participants can study at their convenience via smartphone or computer, fitting education into their busy lives.

Benefits of the Course

• - Complete Compliance with New Rules: Gain insights in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 SR and an elaborate explanation of the new label samples.
• - Structured Learning: Experience a well-organized curriculum with progressive complexity over four months.
• - Discount Pricing: First-time participants benefit from a 40% early bird discount, while repeat learners receive a 60% discount.
• - Diverse Participation: Attendees come from various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, advertising, and web development, showcasing the course's broad appeal.

The Changing Landscape

Since its inception in 2015, functional food labeling has become essential in the health food sector. Today's consumers expect products to display clear functional benefits, and the market is demanding more robust accountability due to recent incidents that tightened scrutiny. From 2026, self-auditing reports will be mandatory, increasing the need for advanced management skills in companies. Additionally, new food labeling guidelines will require immediate attention, and this course is designed to keep participants ahead of the curve.

Key Details

• - Course Duration: May 4, 2026 – August 2026
• - Course Structure:

- Beginner: May 4 – June 3
- Intermediate: June 8 – July 8
- Advanced: July 13 – August 31

• - Early Bird Rates: Regular price of 165,000 yen now at 99,000 yen if registered by February 28, 2026.
• - Application Link: Functional Foods Course Registration

Success Stories

Numerous graduates have found successful careers, including placements in the Consumer Affairs Agency and roles within prestigious companies such as Santen Pharmaceutical, Kellogg, and Kaneka.

Course Highlights

Participants will tackle complex regulations through daily email seminars and weekly review videos, covering essential topics such as:

• - Overview of functional food regulations and laws
• - Crafting clinical trials and understanding the PRISMA statement
• - Writing procedures for the new label samples and related documents
• - Navigating database usage and insight into recent identification errors
• - Four elements that make functional foods successful: ingredients, claimed functions, evidence, and market research.

The course will be held three times a year, and the upcoming session is set to deliver up-to-date content reflecting the latest changes in the field.

About the Association

Founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, the Functional Foods Certification Association supports product development and documentation processes while ensuring attendees are updated on administrative guidelines. The association, led by Chairman Kiichiro Mochida, provides critical insights into the operational landscape of functional foods in Japan.

Conclusion

With its extensive history and successful track record, the Functional Foods Certification Association's online course represents a golden opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in functional food labeling. Don’t miss your chance to participate in a course that can shape your career in the thriving health food industry.

For further inquiries, feel free to reach out to the training team at the Functional Foods Certification Association via email at [email protected].