Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Michihiro Koyanagi; hereinafter referred to as ‘Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute’), which studies the science of food, conducted a sensory evaluation of Yatsushiro ginger as part of the efforts by the general incorporated association DMO Yatsushiro (Location: Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture; Representative Director: Seiji Fukushima; hereinafter referred to as ‘DMO Yatsushiro’) to promote the charm of Yatsushiro ginger. Based on the evaluation results and data, the institute designed and produced a booklet titled ‘Recommendations for Yatsushiro Ginger’.

This project is being conducted utilizing the “Fiscal Year 2022 Regional Integrated Gastronomy Tourism Promotion Project” selected by DMO Yatsushiro through the public offering of the Japan Tourism Agency.

Promoting Gastronomy Tourism Through Visual Communication

DMO Yatsushiro conducts research, analysis, and tourism strategy marketing and management for the purpose of promoting tourism in the Yatsushiro region. The recently published booklet “Recommendations for Yatsushiro Ginger” focuses on ginger, which is protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) in the Yatsushiro region, among various other charms of the area. The booklet contains a variety of information such as the taste of Yatsushiro ginger, its production history, interviews with the mayor of Yatsushiro and producers, and information on shops where you can eat and buy Yatsushiro ginger. It contributes to promoting the charm of the region as a content that allows you to enjoy gastronomy tourism of the region’s food even before you go there.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute also produced designs to visually convey the deliciousness of Yatsushiro ginger based on the scientific analysis of its flavor. In addition, researchers from the institute proposed and featured recipes that leverage the unique taste and texture characteristics of Yatsushiro ginger.

◆Digital Book
https://e-book.mikaku.jp/book_yatsushiro-ginger_all/book/

Working together as one, united for the region.

For the initiative of the Fiscal Year 2022 Regional Integrated Gastronomy Tourism Promotion Project, DMO Yatsushiro recruited restaurants offering Yatsushiro ginger menus through a special website and included them in “Recommendations for Yatsushiro Ginger.” They also provided banners, menu boards, and recipes to create an environment where the community could collectively promote Yatsushiro ginger. By consolidating information such as featuring participating restaurants and the “Recommendations for Yatsushiro Ginger” digital book on the special website, they aim to strengthen their communication efforts and promote gastronomy tourism centered around Yatsushiro ginger.

Expectations for the “Recommendations for Yatsushiro Ginger” Initiative

With the recovery of travel demand and the expansion of inbound tourism, it has become increasingly important to promote the charm of local food and culture. In this context, visual representation that transcends language barriers holds significant value. The Flavor and Fragrance Strategy Research Institute, which studies the science of food, aims to analyze food scientifically, digitize its appeal, and further enhance its visibility. By promoting the use of food data as an effective appeal, including for inbound tourism, we support the local food industry.

About the General Incorporated Association DMO Yatsushiro

Website https://www.dmo8246.jp/
The General Incorporated Association DMO Yatsushiro is an organization that brings together tourism professionals, industry, the city, and citizens to develop the tourism region as a whole. It was established to promote the revitalization of the tourism industry and other local industries in the Yatsushiro region. The association engages in marketing tourism resources and promoting the region as a whole, aiming to attract tourists and enhance the quality of resources management and services. Through the development of tourism strategies and management of business plans, it promotes tourism, local products, and community development in the Yatsushiro region.

About the Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute, a company that studies the science of food, utilizes visualization technology for the “deliciousness” of taste, aroma, texture, etc. This technology allows for the objectification of sensory values that were previously perceived through relative evaluation, enabling them to be used as evaluation criteria and scales. Since its establishment, the institute has continued to digitize food, and has built a taste database of over 120,000 food items. Based on this database, they provide food digital solution services that utilize data for various challenges related to food, such as food development, quality management, market research, and customization of taste for overseas markets.

Contact information

Email sales@mikaku.jp

The post Taste analysis and design of Yashiro ginger from Kumamoto Prefecture to promote gastronomy tourism first appeared on Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute Co., Ltd. a company that studies the science of food (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Michihiro Koyanagi; hereinafter referred to as “Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute”), announces that the “Food NFT Consortium,” in which it participates, has launched a web app called “ONEPLATE” to make NFTs more accessible. Using ONEPLATE, they are selling a new NFT called “Menu NFT” at the storefronts of restaurants and on ONEPLATE to change the food experience.

The Food NFT Consortium utilizes the Flavor and Fragrance Strategy Research Institute’s taste data analysis technology to create “taste data” and “recipe data” for food. They record these data on the blockchain, converting them into NFTs known as “Food NFTs,” and work to create a market for Food NFTs.

The Food NFT Consortium has officially launched the web app “ONEPLATE,” which allows both businesses and consumers to easily adopt NFTs for the purpose of enjoying NFTs “anytime, anywhere, and easily.” ONEPLATE was developed jointly by the Food NFT Consortium and NFTDrive Co., Ltd., with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Users can access NFTs simply by visiting the URL, making it accessible on any device, including smartphones. Even first-time users can create a new account and start using NFTs in just 3 steps.

About ONEPLATE

URL：https://oneplate.food-nft.io/

・Device agnostic. You can preview NFTs just by accessing it from a web browser.
・With one touch, you can create URLs and QR codes to share NFTs.
・You can obtain a new address on ONEPLATE in just 3 steps.
・ODirect NFT trading is possible on ONEPLATE! No need for a marketplace.
・Supports multiple accounts.
・Multi-sig supported.
※ONEPLATE is available for free, but cryptocurrency (XYM) is required for NFT transactions.
※Transactions on ONEPLATE incur a set fee.
※ONEPLATE is only compatible with the Symbol blockchain.

ONEPLATE features an intuitive UI that allows users to naturally execute peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions without the need for specialized knowledge, leveraging the advantages of blockchain such as consensus and immediacy. Furthermore, ONEPLATE is designed to be easily accepted by those familiar with blockchain technology, as it directly accesses information on the blockchain. It bridges the gap in knowledge and experience related to NFTs and blockchain, making it a tool that anyone can use to enjoy NFTs “anytime, anywhere, and easily” and together.

Future outlook

 ONEPLATE provides services to members of the Food NFT Consortium free of charge and promotes the provision of NFTs to NFT projects, starting with “Menu NFTs.” Consumers can access ONEPLATE from their familiar smartphones, easily view NFTs, and request acquisitions. Businesses can use ONEPLATE to distribute NFTs such as Food NFTs, making it possible to lower the barrier to participation in NFT projects by using URLs and QR codes. This widens the range of applications for branding and fan development.

 Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute aims to expand the physical food experience, which is perceived by the five senses, into the virtual world by utilizing taste quantification. Through ONEPLATE, which makes blockchain user-friendly, we will promote “Food NFTs” for everyone to enjoy, aiming for an era where NFTs are enjoyed by all.

“Menu NFTs” utilizing ONEPLATE are now on sale both in-store and on ONEPLATE.

Utilizing ONEPLATE, the kaiseki restaurant “Kirari” in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is selling its monthly changing course menu as full-chain NFTs. The Menu NFTs are designed to be exchanged or collected, enhancing the dining experience by connecting personal experiences of meals with NFTs, aiming to enhance the value of the “food” provided by Kirari.

Payments are accepted in both fiat currency and cryptocurrency (XYM). In addition to in-store sales, purchases can be made directly on ONEPLATE. This allows for reaching out to potential customers who are interested in the restaurant but have not yet visited. Furthermore, Menu NFT holders receive a complimentary welcome drink at Kirari as a benefit, which is expected to encourage visits.

seki restaurant “Kirari”

URL：http://www.kanda-kirari.com/

About food NFT

The “Recipe Data” for food and “Taste Data,” which quantifies taste using Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute’s analysis technology, are recorded and tokenized in an all-on-chain manner on the Symbol blockchain, a public blockchain. This NFT (Non-Fungible Token) preserves reproducible recipe taste data as digital assets, allowing for maximum utilization of their value. “NFT-Drive” is used for the on-chain storage of taste data and recipe data on the Symbol blockchain and for issuing NFTs.

About Food NFT Consortium

The Food NFT Consortium was established to create a “Food NFT” market by creating “taste data” and “recipe data” for many attractive “flavors” that people want to taste, make, and share. These data are recorded and tokenized on the blockchain to create a “Food NFT” market.

URL：https://food-nft.io/

About the Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute, a company that studies the science of food, utilizes visualization technology for the “deliciousness” of taste, aroma, texture, etc. This technology allows for the objectification of sensory values that were previously perceived through relative evaluation, enabling them to be used as evaluation criteria and scales. Since its establishment, the institute has continued to digitize food, and has built a taste database of over 120,000 food items. Based on this database, they provide food digital solution services that utilize data for various challenges related to food, such as food development, quality management, market research, and customization of taste for overseas markets.

Contact information

Email sales@en.mikaku.jp

The post Food NFT Consortium Launches NFT Web App, Sells New NFTs in Restaurants to Change the Food Experience. first appeared on Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Michihiro Koyanagi; hereinafter “Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute”) has partnered with “ITOCHU Corporation” (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and COO: Keita Ishii; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) to launch a “Personalized Food Recommendation Function” utilizing the taste preference diagnosis developed by Flavor & Fragrance Strategy Research Institute.

As smartphone-based searches and social media become more prevalent, and with the recent trend of accessing integrated information through AI-generated content, consumer food preferences are diversifying rapidly, leading to a further push for personalized food experiences. In response to this diversification, food manufacturers and retailers handling private label (PB) products are increasingly subdividing their product lines. Consequently, consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to find products that match their preferences. In this context, the field of personalized recommendation, which analyzes and interprets consumer behavior and preferences to match individual preferences with products, is gaining attention in the market.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute has developed a unique taste preference diagnosis system based on its database of over 120,000 taste profiles. They have also launched a convenient data collection service called “CORESUKI” (*1), providing a new indicator of consumer understanding called “Preference Data.”

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute and ITOCHU Corporation are launching a “Personalized Recommendation Function for Food” utilizing this taste preference data, to create opportunities for consumers to encounter products based on their preferences. Retailers and food manufacturers with diverse product offerings and consumer touchpoints can introduce this function to their own e-commerce sites and apps, enabling them to propose products tailored to individual consumers based on their taste preferences.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute partnered with ITOCHU Corporation in July 2021 to launch “FOODATA,” (*2) a data service for food product planning and development. In July 2023, they also introduced the taste preference diagnostic service “Coresuki” (*1) aiming to promote the utilization of data. As a food tech think tank company that visualizes food through a scientific lens, Flavor & Fragrance Strategy Research Institute will continue to support various challenges in the food industry.

※１…Thursday, July 13, 2023
https://en.mikaku.jp/news/2023/8453/
※２…Friday, July 9, 2021
https://en.mikaku.jp/news/2021/2279/

About Taste and Aroma Strategy Research Institute

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute, a company that studies the science of food, utilizes visualization technology for the “deliciousness” of taste, aroma, texture, etc. This technology allows for the objectification of sensory values that were previously perceived through relative evaluation, enabling them to be used as evaluation criteria and scales. Since its establishment, the institute has continued to digitize food, and has built a taste database of over 120,000 food items. Based on this database, they provide food digital solution services that utilize data for various challenges related to food, such as food development, quality management, market research, and customization of taste for overseas markets.

Contact information

Email sales@mikaku.jp

The post Started providing ‘Personalized Food Recommendation Function’ in partnership with ITOCHU Corporation. first appeared on Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute.

The analysis results of 26 sake products from Nagasaki Prefecture were designed and produced at the Flavor & Fragrance Strategy Research Institute. They are provided on the Nagasaki Prefecture official website as an introduction tool for Nagasaki sake, which can be freely used by restaurants, retailers, and others.

Analysis summary

• Analysis of prefecture-produced sake from 26 sake breweries in the prefecture that requested taste analysis
  (11 brands of sake, 10 brands of shochu, 2 brands of fruit wine, 2 brands of happoshu, 1 brand of spirits)
• The brands analyzed were selected from those that are carried by commercial liquor stores and are also popular in restaurants, etc.
• Compare sake and shochu from around the country and create a taste map to see what characteristics they have.
• Based on analysis results, features of prefecture-produced sake and pairings with fish dishes that go well with it are posted.

Result of analysis

Japanese sake

Sake from Nagasaki Prefecture is characterized by its mellow taste, which is generally low in acidity and has strong depth, umami, and richness!

Shochu

Shochu from Nagasaki Prefecture is characterized by its low acidity and deep, rich flavor.

Nagasaki prefecture official website

https://www.pref.nagasaki.jp/press-contents/631308/index.html
https://www.pref.nagasaki.jp/object/kenkaranooshirase/oshirase/629911.html

The post Visualizing the deliciousness of sake produced in Nagasaki PrefectureConduct taste analysis and food pairing analysis first appeared on Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute.

【URL】https://coresuki.tech

“CORESUKI” is a new service that allows for easier and more enjoyable preference diagnostics. With “COLESKY,” users can diagnose their preference types instantly by answering just 15 questions, making it easy for the general consumer to understand their preferences. “COLESKY” is customizable, allowing for the setting of the offering period and adjustment of content to suit the purpose, and it can also be used for campaign deployment. Furthermore, it can be accessed simply by visiting a URL, making it available for implementation at various touchpoints such as QR codes, LINE for members, store apps, and in-store fixtures.

Examples of usage of “CORESUKI”

QR codes can be placed on self-service coffee machines in convenience stores and other locations. Consumers can use their smartphones to answer the “CORESUKI” questions while waiting, and the diagnostic result screen can also provide recommended information on store products based on their preference type, leading to impulse purchases. The data obtained from “CORESUKI” can be accumulated and used for marketing, product development, and store operations, providing more realistic consumer preferences related to taste. “CORESUKI” can also collect data based on conditions, such as separating data by store, allowing for flexible data collection.

Preference data can be treated similarly to traditional demographic and purchasing data in marketing, offering a new perspective to deepen consumer understanding and increase the resolution of the target audience for companies. Furthermore, by combining proprietary data from Flavor & Fragrance Strategy Research Institute such as preference and taste data with various data held by companies, we can maximize the value of this data and propose marketing strategies based on data analysis.

Preference data can be treated similarly to traditional demographic and purchasing data in marketing, offering a new perspective to deepen consumer understanding and increase the resolution of the target audience for companies. Furthermore, by combining proprietary data from Flavor & Fragrance Strategy Research Institute such as preference and taste data with various data held by companies, we can maximize the value of this data and propose marketing strategies based on data analysis.

Future outlook

The new service “CORESUKI” does not require specialized knowledge or equipment, and can be started by simply accessing the URL, lowering the participation barrier for general consumers’ taste preference diagnosis and accelerating the collection of more extensive and real-time data. Furthermore, we will continue to conduct large-scale surveys and analyses on taste preferences, and work on building the next taste preference diagnosis logic that incorporates aroma and texture, while maintaining the freshness of the current taste preference data. We will continue to develop and make use of taste preference data to the fullest extent possible.

The taste preference diagnosis technology developed by the Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute enables the development of personalized foods that cater to individual “deliciousness,” food recommendation services, the construction of a database of Japanese food preferences, and even the prediction of flavors that will be favored in the near future. The institute believes that taste preference data will become essential in the field of marketing and product development for companies in the future, and will promote the utilization of taste preference data by enlightening and further developing the data infrastructure, thereby supporting various challenges in the food industry.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute has been working on quantifying and visualizing the elements of taste, aroma, and texture, which are components of “deliciousness.” The concept of “deliciousness” in food is determined by various factors and is subjectively judged by individuals, making it difficult to scientifically assess. However, the institute has been able to scientifically demonstrate individual taste preferences, which are personal “deliciousness,” by establishing its own questionnaire program and taste preference diagnosis logic based on a database of over 120,000 taste profiles. This taste preference diagnosis technology is currently pending patent application.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute conducted a new survey on taste preferences, involving over 7,500 people nationwide, as part of its development of taste preference diagnosis. Through the analysis of the survey results, the institute was able to calculate the national average taste preferences and identify differences in taste preferences based on region, gender, and age group. The institute will utilize these survey results as fundamental data for taste preference analysis.

【Survey Results Release】March 1, 2023 The Taste Preference Diagnosis Program*1 Reveals the Deliciousness of Different Regions! – Thorough Examination of Taste Preferences by Age Group and Region –
https://en.mikaku.jp/news/2023/2640/

About the Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute, a company that studies the science of food, utilizes visualization technology for the “deliciousness” of taste, aroma, texture, etc. This technology allows for the objectification of sensory values that were previously perceived through relative evaluation, enabling them to be used as evaluation criteria and scales. Since its establishment, the institute has continued to digitize food, and has built a taste database of over 120,000 food items. Based on this database, they provide food digital solution services that utilize data for various challenges related to food, such as food development, quality management, market research, and customization of taste for overseas markets.

Email sales@mikaku.jp

The post We have launched a diagnostic service called “CORESUKI” which allows you to easily understand your taste preferences. first appeared on Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute (head office in Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, president and representative director: KOYANAGI Michihiro) transformed 4 items of their original recipes into food NFTs through the Food NFT Consortium initiated by 「だいたいウニ」 (Daitai-Uni: Alternative Sea Urchin). They contain original recipes and taste data, as the first NFTs of the company.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute has the technology of visualizing taste, aroma, texture by Kansei (‘affective’) analysis equipment, and provides consulting services in the field of food digital solutions, clarifying individual taste preference, developing and customizing food products for target markets based on a taste database of over 120,000 items.

The food market is currently facing various social challenges, such as resource depletion due to overfishing, unstable supply because of climate changes, and underutilized agricultural wastes. The potential of recreating taste is considerably expected to make contributions to the taste redesign of alternative foods and effective use of waste vegetables.

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute has been on the board of the Food NFT Consortium since its inception, providing taste analysis technology, the fundamental of food NFTs. This technology is also crucial for shaping the value of digital asset, supporting the recipe recreation and vindication by combining taste data and recipe.

As a Web3.0×Food project, food NFT stores the all recipe data on the blockchain. The data asset consisting of recipe and taste data is eternally saved on the blockchain, which will not vanish or be delible. This ensures that records of recipe developers will not be lost, and facilitates its management and operation. Furthermore, the high reproducibility makes it suitable for preservation and transmission.

Food NFT released at this time

It is published in the form of webpages. The previews are accessible through the website of Food NFT Consortium. Details including recipe and taste data are encrypted and protected with password.

■Recipe Recreation 「だいたいウニ」 (Daitai-Uni: Alternative Sea Urchin)

https://food-nft.io/daitaiuni-fa-nft/
The first food NFT from Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute, 「だいたいウニ」 (Daitai-Uni), is their original recipe recreating the taste of sea urchin without using any sea urchin. By using yolk and hijiki (a kind of seaweed), not only the taste but also the appearance are crafted.

■Calibration Standard Solution for Measurement

Calibration standard solution for measuring malt liquor
Calibration standard solution for measuring coffee
Calibration standard solution for measuring tomato juice
Calibration standard solution is developed for measuring taste using the taste sensor (manufactured by Intelligent Sensor Technology, Inc.). Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute has more than 200 original calibration standard solution recipes, that can be reproduced at any time for various kinds of foods, as well as improve the accuracy of taste analysis.

Food NFT as A Utilization Strategy of Taste Analysis Data

Since established, Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute has been engaged in ‘taste visualization’, involving the acquisition of data on taste, aroma and texture of food products. It has broadened the application fields so far as a common language of Kansei (‘affective’), the evidence for research and development of food, sales promotion, and marketing.
Along with Food NFTs becoming available in the future, that store analysis data on the blockchain, the application of taste data will extend into the Web 3.0 world fundamented with the blockchain.

In addition to preservation, transmission and certification, the food NFT is supposed to have a wide range of uses, such as trading NFT itself, franchising business by stating the right. The latest information on food NFTs is available on the Food NFT Consortium website and Twitter.
[Food NFT Consortium website] https://food-nft.io/
[Food NFT Consortium official twitter] https://twitter.com/FoodNFT_io

What is Food NFT?

Food NFTs are a kind of Non-Fungible Tokens that maximize the value of recording and tokenizing the “recipe data” and “taste data” which is quantified by the analytical technology of Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute. They also magnify the advantages of safeguarding the reproducible “recipe data” as digital assets by fully on chain in Symbol, a public blockchain.

■About Food NFT Consortium

The Food NFT Consortium was established to create a “Food NFT” market. “Taste data” and “recipe data” for many attractive “tastes” that you want to eat, make, and convey are created and recorded on the blockchain to convert them into Food NFTs.
Establishment: 1st Apr, 2022(JST)
URL： https://food-nft.io/
Business Description: “FOOD” × “NFT” Creating Food NFT market

Company

Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute Co.,Ltd.【https://en.mikaku.jp/】
Address: 8th Floor, NMF Kayabacho Bldg. 1-17-24, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
President and Representative Director: KOYANAGI Michihiro
Establishment: Sep, 2004(JST)
Business Description: Food Degital Solution

Contact

UEDA, NAKAMITSU
Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute Co.,Ltd.
TEL (+81)3-5542-3850 ／　MAIL press@en.mikaku.jp

The post Recreation Recipes for example 「だいたいウニ」(Daitai-Uni), Original Recipes Preserved on the Blockchain as Food NFTs. first appeared on Taste & Aroma Strategic Research Institute.