NEWS

Student organizations from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) received awards at the Kyushu Block Competition of the 2nd Green Strategy Student Challenge, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

This challenge is implemented as an opportunity for the younger generation—who will shape the future—to put into practice environmentally conscious initiatives that contribute to the realization of the “Green Food System Strategy” formulated by MAFF. The strategy aims to ensure a stable food supply while reducing environmental impact and achieving sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It promotes both productivity enhancement and sustainability through innovation.

In the Kyushu Block Competition, two student groups from APU received awards in the University/Vocational School Division. The award winning groups and the titles of their initiatives are as follows:

Food Bank Irodori

Efforts to Reduce Food Loss through University Student Led Food Bank Activities

APU Soy Lab

Promoting Food Education and Expanding Consumption through a Chain Reaction of Behavioral Change

— A Project in Collaboration with the Fukuoka Soy Sauce Brewing Cooperative —
At the end of February 2026, the awards ceremony for the Kyushu Block Competition was held on the APU campus. Officials from the Kyushu Regional Agricultural Administration Office visited the university and presented certificates to the award winning groups.
During the discussion session that followed, participants exchanged views on the future outlook and challenges of each initiative.

Food Bank Irodori expressed their intention to continue contributing to reducing food loss while steadily supporting people in need of food assistance. They also shared that as their activities grow, establishing an improved storage system will be important to ensure more effective utilization of donated food.

APU Soy Lab discussed how to promote Japanese soy sauce to audiences both in Japan and abroad. While soy sauce is characterized by delicate differences in aroma and flavor, these qualities can be difficult to convey through words alone. The group identified the need for creative communication methods and expressions that help people understand its appeal.

APU will continue to support these kinds of student-led practical initiatives aimed at solving social issues.

Award-Winning Teams and Members (Affiliations as of late February 2026)

Food Bank Irodori

• Hinako Morinaga (College of Sustainability and Tourism, 2nd year)
• Nanase Maeda (College of Sustainability and Tourism, 2nd year)

APU Soy Lab

• Mao Koga (College of International Management, 3rd year)
• Shigeharu Mizuno (College of International Management, 4th year)
• Kento Hara (College of International Management, 3rd year)