Traditional Yagura Dried and Freshly Pickled Daikon Takuan Awarded 2025 Good Design Prize

PalSystem's Original Product Wins 2025 Good Design Award

In an exciting announcement, PalSystem Consumers' Cooperative Union, headquartered in Shinjuku City, Tokyo, has received the esteemed 2025 Good Design Award for one of its original products: the "Traditional Yagura Dried Freshly Pickled Daikon Takuan." This recognition is attributed to the product's role in revitalizing production areas and supporting local agriculture, ultimately addressing various social issues.

The award highlights how direct transaction models between producers and consumers can lead to community enhancement and agricultural sustainability. The collaborative effort represents a model case for overcoming regional challenges.

Product Details: Traditional Yagura Dried Freshly Pickled Daikon Takuan

The Takuan, produced exclusively from the Miyazaki region by the "Miyazaki Tege Umeai" group, is crafted through a unique method involving drying giant daikons on a traditional framework known as "yagura." This air-drying technique, subjected to the winter's cold winds, allows for natural, sun-dried preservation over more than three months, resulting in exquisite flavors. Furthermore, it utilizes previously discarded persimmon peels from the area, showcasing PalSystem's commitment to sustainability.

Each daikon is carefully hung on the yagura, maintaining traditional practices passed down generations. The pickling process employs simple ingredients commonly found in households, such as rice bran, sun-dried salt, and chili peppers.

Due to increasing operational challenges and an aging producer population, the production areas have seen a decline in agricultural labor. By bringing attention to the product, PalSystem aims to ensure the continuance of this traditional culture.

Evaluation by the Good Design Award Judges

The Good Design Award judges commended this initiative for transcending mere product sales, emphasizing the cohesion between producers, distribution channels, and consumers. The strong will to conserve beautiful farmland and traditional methods, backed by tangible sales achievements, earned exceptional recognition. This project embodies the concept of direct transactions, sharing both profits and risks between producers and consumers.

Moreover, the commitment to using no additives, while promoting age-old techniques, has significantly contributed to its acceptance. PalSystem also provides consumers with opportunities to visit production sites and engage with the stories and culture behind the products. This connection fosters a positive cycle of stability for farmer incomes and job creation, enriching the entire community.

The judges notably regarded this initiative as an exemplary model for addressing societal issues through food.

Upcoming Exhibition for the 2025 Good Design Awards

From November 1st (Saturday) to November 5th (Wednesday), the 2025 Good Design Award winning entries will be showcased at the 'GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2025' held in Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi.

About PalSystem

PalSystem prioritizes safety and reassurance in food, aiming to connect producers and consumers through a principle of direct transactions. The organization strives to construct a sustainable society where each member's daily life supports producer initiatives and regional revitalization.