Osaka, Kansai, Japan to Host Expo 2025: Discussing Earth Foods 25 and the Future of Global Food Sustainability

Explore "EARTH MART" at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan: A Culinary and Sustainable Journey

Buckle up, foodies! We're taking a virtual trip to EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, and you're invited. One of the signature pavilions capturing our attention is EARTH MART, a haven celebrating Japan's rich culinary heritage and its potential to revolutionize global food systems.

The night kicks off with a quick rundown of EXPO 2025, followed by a live stream from the EARTH MART pavilion. Next up, we'll hear from Mr. Kundo Koyama, the Theme Producer of EARTH MART, who'll dish on EARTH FOODS 25 – an exciting selection of 25 traditional Japanese ingredients that blend age-old traditions with contemporary innovation. These ingredients represent Japan's culinary legacy and their untapped potential to tackle pressing global food challenges and boost sustainability.

Mr. Hitoshi Hokamura, a Food Tech Evangelist and investor, will join the conversation. With a wealth of expertise in food technology and sustainability, this dynamic duo will explore how EARTH FOODS 25 can inspire new ways of thinking about food culture and sustainability for the future.

Then, it's time to indulge! We'll sample dishes crafted by Chef Kuniko Yagi from Pikunico. These edible masterpieces will showcase ingredients sourced from EARTH FOODS 25, such as umeboshi (sour, salted plums), kombu (sea kelp), kōji (Japanese fermentation starter), daikon radish, sanshō pepper, anko (red bean paste), pickled vegetables, and citrus varieties like Sudachi and Yuzu from Tokushima Prefecture, along with other unique offerings from Kumamoto Prefecture.

As a cherry on top, each participant will receive a gift package from SPIRIT Almond, a Los Angeles-based brand renowned for its Japanese-inspired dry almonds. The package will feature special flavors infused with ingredients from EARTH FOODS 25, including koji salt, miso, and seaweed.

Join us for a memorable evening blending food, culture, and sustainability in a distinctly Japanese way.

## Event Agenda

## About the Speakers

Kundo Koyama

A prolific broadcast writer, screenwriter, and Vice-President of the Kyoto University of The Arts, Mr. Koyama played a significant role in creating hit TV programs such as the International Emmy Award-winning “Iron Chef” and “Torisetsu.” His work on “Departures” earned him remarkable domestic and international acclaim, including the 32nd Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Original Screenplay.

Hitoshi Hokamura

With a background in strategic consulting and marketing, Mr. Hokamura is a Food Tech Evangelist and investor with a passion for food technology and sustainability. After working for Bain & Company and Apple Inc., he moved to Europe to cook as a househusband while his wife pursued her MBA at INSEAD.

## Co-Presented by

Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition

## Special Thanks to

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan may be the stage for EARTH MART, but EARTH FOODS 25 seeks to address pressing global food challenges and promote sustainability. By leveraging 25 traditional Japanese ingredients and focusing on food security, climate change, reducing food waste, sustainable production practices, and innovation in food systems, EARTH FOODS 25 aims to create a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system for tomorrow.

Sources:

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020. (Link: https://www.fao.org/threebillion/en/)
National Research Council. (2009). Sustainability of the U.S. food system: water resources, agricultural productivity, energy resources, and climate change. (Link: https://www.nap.edu/read/12655/chapter/1)
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. (Link: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/)
Good Food Institute. (2020). Emerging Trends in Plant-Based Meat and Seafood 2020-2025. (Link: https://goodfoodinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Emerging-Trends-in-Plant-Based-Meat-Seafood-2020-2025.pdf)
FAO and IFAD. (2010). Zero Hunger: Building a durable peace—A pathway to peace, food security and nutrition for all. (Link: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4415e.pdf)
EARTH MART at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Japan will showcase a fusion of food, culture, technology, art, design, and sustainable practices in a culinary and cultural journey.
The event will spotlight 25 traditional Japanese ingredients known as EARTH FOODS 25, which represent Japan's rich culinary heritage and potential to address pressing global food challenges.
Speakers include Mr. Kundo Koyama, a renowned screenwriter and Vice-President of the Kyoto University of The Arts, and Mr. Hitoshi Hokamura, a Food Tech Evangelist and investor with expertise in food technology and sustainability.
During the event, guests will sample dishes crafted by Chef Kuniko Yagi, featuring ingredients from EARTH FOODS 25 such as umeboshi, kombu, kōji, and daikon radish.
The spirit of innovation extends beyond the culinary scene, with SPIRIT Almond offering exclusive gift packages featuring flavors infused with ingredients from EARTH FOODS 25.
By focusing on food security, climate change, reducing food waste, sustainable production practices, and innovation in food systems, EARTH FOODS 25 aims to create a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system for the future.
This event promises to be an exciting exploration of global cuisines, fashion-and-beauty, film, travel, and lifestyle, showcasing Japan's contributions to sustainable innovation and the future of food.

Osaka, Kansai, Japan to Host Expo 2025: Discussing Earth Foods 25 and the Future of Global Food Sustainability