On Tuesday, November 21st 2023, University of Niigata Prefecture will host an exchange meeting titled “Considering the Potential for Plant-Based Market Development in Niigata Prefecture”.
In recent years, the plant-based food market has been attracting attention due to growing awareness around diverse lifestyle needs, health consciousness and environmental conservation. This exchange meeting focuses on the affinity between Niigata Prefecture – which is rich in rice and other agricultural products – and the plant-based food market, exploring with participants the possibilities and challenges of developing the plant-based market in Niigata Prefecture.
Haruko Kawano, founder of VegeProject Japan, will be speaking at this event as a vegan and plant-based specialist. In addition, JR East Cross Station Co., Ltd. Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory, currently using our vegan certification, will introduce their plant-based food initiatives. In the latter half of the program, there will be a tasting of plant-based products and an opportunity to interact with the speakers and participants.
Companies and local governments engaged in product development, region revitalization, and Industry-Government-Academia collaboration, as well as students and the general public, are all welcome to participate. We look forward to seeing you there. Advance registration is required. Please see below:
Date, time, and place
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 16:00-18:00
Place: Room 5201, 2F, Commons 3 Building, University of Niigata Prefecture
Program
1. Opening
2. Lecture: “Deepening Understanding of Plant-Based Food” / Haruko Kawano, Founder, NPO VegeProject Japan
3. Lecture: “Food Inclusivity in Japan (Niigata Prefecture) from a Vegetarian Perspective” / Tu Li-shin, Lecturer, Faculty of International Economics, University of Niigata Prefecture
4. Showcase of plant-based food initiatives by local companies
/ JR East Cross Station Foods Company, Food Manufacturing Division, Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory, Deputy Plant Manager Yoshiro Umezawa
5. Lecture: “Entering the plant-based food market in Niigata Prefecture” / Team Masaru, Gorshkov’s seminar students
6. Social exchange and plant-based food tasting
7. Commemorative photo and Closing
Participation Fee
Free of charge
How to apply
Please use the application form below
Application form (Japanese only)
Access
https://www.unii.ac.jp/access/ ※ please come via public transport
From Niigata station:
-By train: Take the JR Hakushin Line to Ogata Station (about 10 minutes), and walk 15 minutes.
-By bus: Catch the Ogata Line Bus from Niigata Station Bandai Exit Bus Terminal, bus stop 11 (about 25 minutes). Get off at “Kendaigaku Mae” and walk 3 minutes.
For inquiries, please contact:
Gorshkov Seminar, Faculty of International Economics, University of Niigata Prefecture
team.masaru.unp@gmail.com
Since 2022, VegeProject has deepened our relationship with Associate Professor Gorshkov of the Faculty of International Economics, by giving special lectures on plant-based and vegan food in his seminar.
An article compiled by the students of Gorshkov’s seminar is now available on VegeTime. Please give it a read.
Gorshkov Seminar wins prize in Niigata’s Food and Agriculture Contest! (Japanese only)
![[Nov. 30] Vegan Market Conference & Networking Dinner](https://vegeproject.org/system/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/261130-vegan-business-event_th-1024x512.jpg)
