Japanese seed maker develops sunflower that blooms upright

TOKYO, June. 29 — Takii Co., Japan’s seed maker of vegetables and flowers, has developed a sunflower that blooms upright facing on strong stems. Takii names the new series “F1 Sunrich Upright.” The Kyoto-based seed maker says the new sunflower is ideal for flower arrangement and bouquets as it is long lasting and upright facing on strong stems.

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Japan’s health ministry gives green light to sale of unrefrigerated tofu in aseptic packaging

TOKYO, July 14 – The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) announced the official removal of the ban on the sale of tofu at room temperature in Japan on July 13, 2018. So far, the domestic tofu producers were required to sell only refrigerated products to prevent food poisoning, but now, they can sell unrefrigerated ones if they are “bacteria-free filled tofu” packed in an aseptic container. For some domestic “filled tofu” producers who already sell unrefrigerated products in the export market, the change in the law is expected to provide a boost to expand the market both at home and abroad. On July 13, MHLW revised … Continue reading

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Japan Co-op Alliance to study cooperation effort among co-ops

TOKYO, July 1 — The Japan Co-operative Alliance (JCA) has launched a study group to enhance cooperation among co-operatives, aiming to help the public better understand what a co-operative is. The JCA, which was set up in April, will release its first report on the issue on the day that coincides with the International Day of Cooperatives in July next year. The day, celebrated annually to raise awareness of cooperatives, is held on the first Saturday of July. This year it falls on July 7. In the report, the JCA is expected to put together examples of how to practice cooperation among co-operatives and the power of the co-operative movement. … Continue reading

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Japan lobby group aims to boost home-grown wheat products

TOKYO, June 28 — Japan is seeking to boost the country’s production of wheat and barley by encouraging more wheat and barley farmers to be involved in sales of new products at a new outlet in Tokyo. The National Rice Wheat and Barley Improvement Association has opened a shop for testing sales of new products that use Japanese-grown wheat and barley. The association names the Tokyo shop “Mugi kurabe”. It has a fully-equipped kitchen, a place to display locally-produced new products and seating areas to eat them. The association will offer serving staff and transport costs for small businesses or growers to present their products in the Tokyo outlet. Japanese … Continue reading

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Japan becomes second country after Mexico to ratify TPP-11

TOKYO, July 7 — Japan has become the second country to ratify the revised Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), or the TPP-11, joining Mexico which ratified the regional trade deal in April. On July 6, Japan informed New Zealand, the depository of the trade pact, of its completion of the ratification process. The TPP-11 pact will enter into force 60 days after six of the 11 countries ratify the deal, a process that involves amending their respective domestic laws. “We hope that enough countries will ratify the agreement soon so that we can bring it into force as early as early next year,” Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a July 6 … Continue reading

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