#Kewpie #Keio Group #Takao No Mori

Keio Group and Kewpie Collaborate on Food Education Project

On March 8, 2024, Keio Group, alongside Kewpie Corporation, launched an innovative project centered around food education at the experiential facility "Takao No Mori Waku Waku Village". The initiative encourages children and young adults to engage creatively with the concepts of sustainable food practices and the future of dining. The project aims to foster a collaborative environment where participants can explore food preferences and culinary creativity.

The concept of this program is rooted in "co-creation", inviting children visiting the facility to think about future dining experiences together. A participatory exhibition, located at the cafeteria within the village, will be an interactive space incorporating various activities where children can touch, play, and think about food. Additionally, five newly developed menu items using Kewpie's plant-based food brand "Green Kewpie" will be available for purchase, allowing everyone to share the joy of gathering around the same dining table.

This initiative seamlessly connects the components of learning, experiencing, and communicating about food enjoyment, thereby creating a novel food experience model and educational framework. The emphasis is on promoting the idea of a delightful and educational dining experience in a world where food preferences are ever-diversifying.

Project Background and Objectives

Keio Electric Railway, which operates Takao No Mori Waku Waku Village, has established three pillars as part of its business concept: “from the region”, “from differences”, and “from community”. These pillars aim to enhance educational value through partnership and collaboration. Ever since its establishment, Kewpie has been centered on contributing to society through food, making food education a key aspect of its corporate activities.

The long-standing relationship between Kewpie and the Keio area, particularly along the Keio Line, has fostered a deep mutual commitment to creating a sustainable future together. Starting in 2024, both companies will collaboratively work towards providing enjoyable dining experiences that cater to diverse food preferences, integrating products from “Green Kewpie” into their offerings. This vision encapsulates the ethos of learning through direct experience — transforming knowledge into delightful and delicious moments at the table.

New Participatory Exhibition

The newly established participatory exhibition will take place on the first floor of Waku Waku Village's cafeteria. It provides children with a platform to conceptualize their ideas about future food options. Through various interactive formats, including quizzes and hands-on activities, children will not only be spectators but also active participants in reimagining dining experiences. The connection established through learning and tasting will encourage a sense of joy in communal eating, fostering a deeper appreciation for food among young attendees.

Plant-Based New Menu Highlights

To make this project accessible for a wider audience, five new a la carte menu items have been introduced featuring Kewpie’s products.

1. Colorful Vegetable and Fluffy Plant-Based Keema Curry - Priced at 1,100 yen, this dish combines seven types of vegetables into a keema curry style with Kewpie's plant-based