NEWS

On October 6, 2024, APU Koji Day (Organizer：APU Koji Day 2024 Executive Committee and sponsored by SANWA SHURUI Co.,Ltd.,), initiated by APU alumna Yuiko Furusawa (College of International Management Graduated in 2007) and others, was held on the APU campus. The event was organized in collaboration with students, alumni, and companies in the prefecture with the goal of “innovating Oita's food ecosystem and connecting the region to the world“. The afternoon session was a charity event for the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Volunteer APU alumni, SANWA SHURUI Co.,Ltd., as well as current students with an interest in koji participated in the event, making it a day for deepening one's knowledge of koji.

In the morning session, a seminar on the theme of “koji” was held. Mr. Shinsaku Okamoto of the sponsoring company SANWA SHURUI Co.,Ltd., gave a presentation titled “Distilled Spirits in Koji Culture,” explaining how “koji” is essential in the Japanese sake culture, including the role played by koji, product development, and an introduction to the shochu production process. In addition, alumnus Yuki Amano (College of Asia Pacific Studies Graduated in 2014) explained the basics of seasonings, and Ryotoku Yoshioka (College of Asia Pacific Studies Graduated in 2006), based on his own experience working as a koji master, explained the functions of koji that are good for the body and how koji can be used in daily life. During the Q&A session after the lecture, participants who were interested in koji asked questions such as “What is the difference between koji and yeast?”; “Why does shochu taste different depending on the manufacturing company, even though the manufacturing method is the same?”; “Is sake good for the body?”; “Is koji used overseas?”; and “Is koji used in other countries as well?”

In the afternoon, the charity film “The Genealogy of Sake” was shown to support those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. “Koji plates” were also sold, with proceeds going towards supporting the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. In total, 25,500yen was raised. All proceeds will be donated to the Hokuriku Mirai Foundation's “2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund”.