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Japan Forward
04-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
How Ajinomoto Thailand and MUFG Are Pioneering Well-Being Through Food and Finance
On January 28 in Bangkok, experts from two very different industries — food and finance — came together to explore the theme of well-being . Japan 2 Earth sat down with Ichiro Sakakura, President of Ajinomoto Thailand Co, Ltd and Ajinomoto SEA Regional Headquarters Co, Ltd, whose company plays a central role in promoting Thai food culture. Joining him was Yuji Kosugi, then Head of the Chemicals & Well-Being Division at MUFG Bank — a department dedicated to tackling social challenges through financial solutions. Their discussion centered on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Excerpts follow. Sakakura (Ajinomoto): We've shifted from fossil fuels to biomass and introduced biomass cogeneration using rice husks at our factories. Also, we've nearly achieved zero GHG emissions from our direct and indirect operations. Now, we're working on reducing emissions across the entire supply chain. In terms of packaging, we've transitioned 56% of all product packaging to recyclable materials. Sakakura passionately speaks about Ajinomoto's vision. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura (Ajinomoto): In Thailand, sugar is often used to deepen flavor and richness, not just to add sweetness. For example, at noodle shops, after choosing the noodles and soup, people often add vinegar, sugar, chili, and fish sauce, which can lead to excessive sugar and salt intake. Food culture varies by region, so standardization is difficult. However, ANPS categorizes Thai cuisine into 10 types and assigns scores. This year [2025], we hope to scientifically validate it in collaboration with Mahidol University, which has a strong reputation in nutrition. Nutrition education from a young age is also key. It's still at the idea stage, but we hope to introduce ANPS in schools in the future. Dishes classified into 10 categories using ANPS. (Courtesy of Ajinomoto) Kosugi (MUFG): I've heard that Ajinomoto developed ANPS as a contribution to society. The next important step is certification. We're actively involved in food rule-making, and we'd like to support these efforts by leveraging our neutral position as a financial institution. Kosugi speaks about "rule-making" for food. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura: Ajinomoto uses 20% of the 1 million tons of tapioca starch distributed domestically in Thailand, making us the largest starch user. Cassava farmers are therefore essential. However, climate change and the spread of cassava mosaic virus are reducing yields. To ensure a stable supply, we launched the "Thai Farmer Better Life Partner Project" in 2020. We hold workshops on plant diseases and use soil analysis to help prevent infections. The number of participating farms has grown from 180 to 1,500. I'm happy to report that their harvests have improved. We're also building a green resource cycle. We provide low-cost fertilizer made from amino acid-rich by-products of our production process. Additionally, we reuse rice husk ash from biomass power generation as a soil conditioner. Our next step is to establish traceability so that harvests from participating farmers can be directly used in our factories. Cassava farmers participating in the program. (Courtesy of Ajinomoto) Sakakura: Well-being is a broad concept, so we've been discussing internally what it means for Ajinomoto. It goes beyond the environment and includes three pillars: Customer, Employee, and Society. It represents our commitment to sustainability-centered management. MUFG Bank has renamed one of its divisions to include the word "well-being." Isn't this quite rare? Kosugi: Our thinking aligns closely with Ajinomoto's. Looking ten years ahead, we envisioned what our division should become. So, in October last year [2024], we renamed the "Sales Division 5" to the "Chemicals & Well-Being Division." I believe it's the only one of its kind in the world. Sakakura: We hold a 90% market share in umami seasonings in Thailand and have built three top brands, thanks to our predecessors. We also maintain a nationwide distribution network and stable operations across our seven factories. One of our key strengths is that all factory managers are Thai and deeply rooted in their communities. A major challenge, however, is the declining population — similar to Japan. In response, we're developing products for an aging society, such as amino acid-based supplements to help prevent muscle loss. Sakakura and Kosugi connecting over shared ideas. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura: When I worked in human resources in Japan, I met Masami Atarashi, the former president of Johnson & Johnson, who was a guest lecturer. I've always liked his phrase "Kotsu-Kotsu-Katsu-Kotsu" [steady effort leads to steady success] — a reminder to keep pushing forward without giving up. For more than 60 years, Ajinomoto Thailand has quietly and steadily focused on the work at hand, consistently delivering results. That mindset remains unchanged. This report is published in cooperation with Ajinomoto, a logo partner of the JAPAN Forward website Japan 2 Earth focused on initiatives to achieve the SDGs. It was first published on Japan 2 Earth . Author: Mika Sugiura
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Officials sound alarm as sacred animals face growing threat: 'We want to better understand'
Beloved deer living in a historic Japanese park face growing dangers from litter left behind by tourists. Now, officials are rethinking decades-old waste management policies to protect the culturally significant animals. Located in Nara, Japan, Nara Park spans 1,630 acres and is famed for its free-roaming deer and historic temples. Unfortunately, it's also now noted for a littering problem threatening local deer populations. Nara deer are a protected species considered sacred in the region, according to news outlet Japan 2 Earth. About 1,300 deer call the park home, typically feeding on the park's abundant grass and tree nuts. But six years ago, the nonprofit Nara Deer Preservation Foundation examined 14 Nara deer that died from unknown causes. Nine of the deer had plastic in their stomachs. And the problem has only gotten worse since. "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists has increased — and so has the amount of litter," officials told Japan 2 Earth. The park removed trash bins in 1985, instead encouraging visitors to take their waste with them. The reason? Deer were rummaging through them and eating the trash. That somewhat unconventional tactic reportedly worked for a few decades — but officials are now bringing the bins back. Respecting Nara deer and their habitat is essential for responsible tourism. All wildlife deserves to live in a clean, litter-free environment — and Nara deer hold special cultural significance as sacred animals. According to Japan 2 Earth, local legend says a deity arrived in Nara riding a white deer. Showing respect toward these animals, then, is a way of honoring and respecting Japanese culture. Access to nature and wildlife is a privilege, especially as development and pollution continue to destroy natural habitats worldwide. When interacting with nature, we should aim to leave an area in the same condition we found it — if not better. One of the most important ways to protect these environments is by properly managing our waste. The advocacy group Leave No Trace advises park and nature visitors to "pack it in, pack it out." Simply put, if you bring it with you, take it with you when you leave. In January, trial waste bins were placed at two locations in Nara Park. The bins were designed to prevent deer from accessing the trash, featuring handles that must be pulled down to place trash inside and a sturdy construction that can't be knocked over. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. To encourage their use, the bins are decorated with statistics detailing Nara Park's waste problem. One bin highlights that 67% of deceased deer in the park were found with plastic in their stomach. Another bin details how one deer was found with 4.3 kilograms — or 9.5 pounds — of plastic in its stomach. During the trial, officials monitored usage of the bins, including what items were discarded and how the bins impacted littering within the park. "We want to better understand what types of waste are being discarded," officials told Japan 2 Earth during the trial. Officials report plastic bottles and paper cups have been the most commonly discarded items. The bins have seemed to work so far, with officials telling The Japan Times they plan to keep them in place — and possibly add more. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
