Japan eyes stricter labeling on non-genetically modified foods

TOKYO, Dec. 19 — Japan is considering a stricter labeling policy for non-genetically modified organisms (GMO) to allow consumers to make the right choice. A panel of experts that included food makers and consumer protection groups held a seventh round of talks on Dec. 18 for the Consumer Affairs Agency to review GMO policy. Under the 2001 GMO labeling law, Japan requires mandatory labels for eight crops containing GMO, such as soybeans and corn, and soy- and corn-based products. Such products include tofu, natto, soymilk, miso, corn starch and popcorn. But at the same time, Japan allows a five percent tolerance for GMO content in food. In other words, if … Continue reading

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Kadomatsu, something Japanese must have as new year decoration

GUNMA, Dec. 24 — Akagi Green, a gardening and landscaping company in Maebashi city, Gunma Prefecture, is now in the busiest time of the year, making kadomatsu, traditional Japanese new year decorations. The kadomatsu in various sizes, ranging in height from 1 to 2 meters, are lined up in its garden. The company is going to make approximately 200 pairs by December 24 and ship them to the customers mainly in the Kanto region by December 28. The most poplar ones are those of 1.5 meters tall. Takeshi Ogiwara, 45-year-old president of the company, said, “Kadomatsu is inseparable from new years in Japan. We want to continue making them as … Continue reading

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【Opinion】 Problem of achieving food security through diversifying imports (Dec. 18, 2017)

[By Yasushi Tange, visiting researcher at Norinchukin Research Institute] Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate marked 38 percent on a calorie basis in fiscal 2016, down 1 percentage point from a year before, posting a year-on-year drop for the first time in six years. The figure was the second-lowest level ever after 37 percent recorded in fiscal 1993, when the country suffered a serious rice shortage following bad weather. The self-sufficiency rate, which was 73 percent in fiscal 1965, has been on a declining trend since then. Some criticize that an obsession with food sufficiency figures may be off the mark, citing such reasons as the fact that fruit and vegetables, although … Continue reading

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New songs by late Haruo Minami released to promote rice flour

TOKYO, Dec. 13 — New songs by late Haruo Minami, Japanese iconic enka singer, has been released. The songs feature Japanese rice flour, a staple food that doesn’t have gluten. As the incidence of gluten sensitivity and irritable bowel syndrome increases, the global demand for rice flour as a gluten-free alternative to wheat products, such as bread and snack foods, is expected to rise. So, the Japan Rice Flour Association took a bold step: make a song to tell how rice flour is healthy and good for you. Seven songs are included in a CD album released on Dec. 13 by Teichiku Entertainment. The Japanese company collaborated with the agriculture … Continue reading

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Tradition of eating udon at new home bath continues in Japan

MITOYO, Dec. 10 — Some people in Kagawa prefecture, western Japan, are keeping alive a dying tradition: eating udon noodles at a newly built home bath. Udon is a chunky white wheat noodle with straight edges that is a specialty of Kagawa prefecture, and is better known as Sanuki udon. Ryuji Onishi, 27, enjoys eating udon that his wife cooks at his newly-built home bath in Mitoyo city, west of Kagawa. His new home was constructed at a site on his 80-year-old grand-father’s land, and Onishi followed the udon tradition. Onishi’s mother explains: “It starts with the eldest taking a new home bath and then the family takes turns according … Continue reading

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