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Nourishing
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Who We Are
JapanHarvest collects surplus quality food from supermarkets and delivers it free of charge to charities that support those in need. We’re working hard to reduce food waste, provide food relief, and encourage societal change through education.
What We Do
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Feed
We collect edible surplus food that’s unsuitable for sale, and deliver it to charities who support people in need.
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Advocate
We’re working hard to spread food sharing initiatives and community fridge programs.
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Education
We publish reports and columns on food related issues including food loss, education and cooking.
Our Impact
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Food Donors
We collect high-quality surplus food from supermarkets, hotels, and other food donors then deliver it free of charge to charities we support!
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Charities
We’re committed to helping feed people in need by delivering produce to children’s homes, cafeterias, government agencies, support organisations and households.
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Meals delivered
Since 2018, we’ve been delivering fresh produce to feed people in need. ( 141033 kg : until 31.January.2026)
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January 2026 Activity Report
— Connecting Food and People, Even at the Start of the Year —January marks the beginning of 2026.We sincerely thank you for your continued support of JapanHarvest this month.As in previous years, we began our activities on January 1.On New Year’s Day, our work started with collecting foods such as toshikoshi soba (New Year’s Eve noodles) and kagami-mochi (traditional rice cakes). Although these foods were still well within their best-before or expiration dates, they were at risk of being discarded due to seasonal timing and customs.More than 100 kilograms of soba noodles were delivered to organizations supporting families with children.We later heard that the noodles were gone “in no time at all.”Together with New Year’s kamaboko fish cakes and rice cakes donated at the end of 2025, these foods brought a sense of New Year warmth and celebration to the tables of families facing food insecurity.At JapanHarvest, we handle every donated item carefully and responsibly, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.Strengthening Connections with FarmersJanuary was also a month in which our connections with local farmers deepened, through relationships with companies, hotels, and local governments.In total, 362 kilograms of food were donated by farmers and local produce markets this month.📦 Food Collected (January 1–31, 2026)The total amount of food collected in January was 3,228 kilograms.Despite the busy New Year period, we received tremendous support, for which we are deeply grateful.Halows Supermarket: 1,887 kgKoeido: 295 kgKurashiki Kokusai Hotel: 99 kgYamazaki Baking: 66 kgANA Crowne Plaza Okayama: 4 kgANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima: 7 kgSingle O: 25 kgFamilyMart “Famima Food Drive”: 47 kg (Okayama 22 kg / Hiroshima 25 kg)Ryobi Platts: 20 kgKibun West Japan: 21 kgOmote Manju: 10 kgKDDI (Tokyo): 11 kgFarmers & Direct Markets: 362 kgOthers: 12 kg👨👩👧👦 Food Distribution and BeneficiariesIn January, food was distributed through 37 partner locations across three prefectures—Okayama, Kagawa, and Hiroshima, reaching a total of 3,235 people.In addition to distribution through partner organizations, we also provided individual support to 120 households.Types of SupportSupport for families with children and elderly individuals facing financial hardship, through local partner organizationsOngoing assistance to households in Mabicho, Kurashiki City, affected by the 2018 Western Japan Heavy Rain DisasterDistribution Sites〈Okayama Prefecture〉Children’s shelters (2), Hope Center, children’s care institutions (4),Okayama City government offices (5), Kibi Chuo Town Office,Community refrigerators (3), children’s cafeterias (6),children’s support organizations, senior salons, migrant support groups,group homes for people with disabilities, homeless support organizations,disability support facilities (2), and livelihood support organizations (2)〈Kagawa Prefecture〉Children’s care institution, self-reliance support home, child support organization〈Hiroshima Prefecture〉Children’s cafeteria, single-parent family support organization,livelihood support organization🍎 “Oishii Okayama Eco Kitchen”“Oishii Okayama Eco Kitchen” is a community-based program that uses surplus agricultural products and rescued food to cook together and share meals at children’s cafeterias and facilities supporting people with disabilities.In January, the program was held at children’s cafeterias, disability support facilities, and group homes, with 112 participants sharing the experience of cooking and eating together.Since the program began on August 4, 2025, a total of 1,106 people have gathered around warm, shared tables.Participants shared comments such as:“It’s a waste to throw away these vegetables—they’re perfectly good.”“Just eating together made me feel calm and at ease.”At JapanHarvest, we view cooking not only as a means of nourishment, but as a way to bring people closer together.Through food, we continue working toward stronger, more connected communities.🌱 Media Coverage in JanuaryFrom January 1 to 4, JapanHarvest’s activities were featured in nine regional newspapers across Japan, from Tohoku to Okinawa.January 13: RNC Nishinippon Broadcasting – “news every +”“Ima, Tsutaetai (What We Want to Share Now)”▶︎ https://youtu.be/HIGVo5sx8kI?si=sQ-KNtxXyBID95LmJanuary 18: RSKSanyo Broadcasting – “Okayama Iki-Iki TV”▶︎ https://youtu.be/qnclfRG-ync?si=QL0MufVqKGkCbdshWe sincerely thank all media outlets for covering our work.💬 In ClosingEven at the beginning of the year, there are children, families, and elderly people who need support.If you have unused food at home or within your organization, please remember us.That food could become someone’s strength to get through today.To eat is to live.And to share food is to share life.In 2026, we look forward to continuing to build a society where kindness circulates—together with you.Thank you for your ongoing support and participation in JapanHarvest.
Report
Activity Report: December 2025
As we bring the year to a close, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the activities of Japan Harvest throughout December.Over the past year, our food rescue efforts have steadily expanded beyond local communities, reaching across regions in Japan and extending internationally.In December, in addition to the support of companies, hotels, local governments, and farmers, we were honored to form new international connections—particularly with partners from Italy.With contributions including food donations from the restaurant at the Italian Pavilion of the Osaka–Kansai Expo, December became a month in which actions to prevent food waste were directly transformed into meaningful food support through collaboration with diverse partners.📦 Food Collected (December 1–31, 2025)In December, we received a total of 4,972 kg of food.We extend our heartfelt thanks to all contributors who supported our work during this busy year-end season.Halows Supermarket: 1,548 kgKoeido (Confectionery): 331 kgKurashiki Kokusai Hotel: 80 kgYamazaki Baking: 52 kgANA Crowne Plaza Okayama: 4 kgANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima: 8 kgFresta: 6 kgFamilyMart “Famima Food Drive”: 84 kgRyobi Platz: 107 kgTeika Corporation: 137 kgOte Manju Confectionery: 15 kgChugoku Regional Agricultural Administration Office: 54 kgJapan Emergency Food Promotion Organization: 225 kgKibun West Japan: 125 kgLocal Egg Farmers: 31 kgOsaka–Kansai Expo, Italian Pavilion Restaurant “Eataly”: 2,000 kgOthers: 179 kg👨👩👧👦 Food Support Recipients51 partner locations + 170 individual households3,535 people + 170 households supportedIn December, food was delivered through 51 locations across six regions—Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, Kagawa, and Hiroshima—reaching a total of 3,535 people.In addition to facility-based support, we also provided direct assistance to 170 households, including:Families with children and elderly individuals living alone, supported through local community organizationsOngoing support for households in Mabi District, Kurashiki City, affected by the 2018 West Japan Floods📍 Breakdown of Support LocationsOkayama PrefectureChildren’s Shelters (2 locations)Hope CenterChildren’s Welfare Institutions (4)Municipal Government Offices (4)Community Refrigerators (3)Children’s Cafeterias (13)Children’s safe spacesYouth support homesSenior community salonsMigrant support organizationsGroup homes for people with disabilitiesHomeless support organizationsDisability support facilitiesEmployment support centers for people with disabilities (4)Kibi International UniversityKagawa PrefectureChildren’s Welfare InstitutionSupport organizationHiroshima PrefectureChildren’s CafeteriasSingle-parent family support organizationsLivelihood support organizationsChildren’s Welfare InstitutionHyogo PrefectureChildren’s CafeteriasKyoto PrefectureChildren’s Cafeterias (4 locations)Osaka PrefectureCommunity Fridges🍎 Oishii Okayama Eco KitchenCooking Together, Sharing the Same Table“Oishii Okayama Eco Kitchen” is an initiative that uses surplus agricultural products to create opportunities for people to cook together and share meals at children’s cafeterias and disability support facilities.In December, activities were held at two children’s cafeterias and disability support facilities, with 169 participantssharing time spent “cooking together and eating together.”Participants shared comments such as:“Cooking together naturally led to conversation.”“Simply eating together made us feel at ease.”Japan Harvest values food as a means of bringing people closer together, and we continue to contribute to community-building through shared meals.🌱 December: When Food Connects Borders and CommunitiesIn December, we received 2 tons of organic wheat flour from the restaurant at the Italian Pavilion of the Osaka–Kansai Expo.As a result, the total amount of food received through Expo-related partnerships reached 6 tons from 9 countries.Ingredients from Italy were delivered to children in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, and Hiroshima.Just before Christmas, these ingredients became part of joyful scenes across communities:Baking cakes togetherLocal high school students preparing cookies and delivering them to childrenSurplus food turned into moments of celebration and warmth.Creating someone’s special day from food that might otherwise be wasted—that is the food rescue we strive for.On December 22, we also donated more than 170 kg of food, including Indian rice and seasonings received from various Expo pavilions, to international students from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and other Asian countries studying at Kibi International University.We hope these ingredients allowed them to enjoy a sense of home during the Christmas and year-end season.💬 Final MessageEven at the end of the year, there are children, families, and elderly people who continue to need support.If you have unused food at home or within your organization, please remember:That food may become someone’s strength to live through today.To eat is to live.And to share food is to share care.As we move into 2026, we look forward to continuing to build a society where kindness circulates—together with you.Thank you for your continued support and participation in Japan Harvest.
Report
Osaka, Kansai Expo: 2 Tonnes of Flour Received from the Italian Pavilion
JapanHarvest has received approximately two tonnes of organically grown wheat flour from the restaurant of the Italian Pavilion as part of its food loss reduction and food assistance activities at the Osaka, Kansai Expo.This marks the ninth country from which JapanHarvest has received surplus food from pavilion operations since the beginning of December.Transportation of the donated flour was carried out using a Toyota HiAce (maximum payload: 1.2 tonnes) generously provided by InterContinental Hotels Group.This support enabled safe and efficient logistics, demonstrating how practical corporate contributions can directly strengthen on-the-ground social impact.The donated organic flour was distributed to food support organizations, children’s kitchens, welfare facilities, and community-based assistance groups across Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Okayama.In the lead-up to the Christmas season, the flour has been actively used for baking activities such as cookies and cakes at children’s kitchens and community events. These initiatives provide children with meaningful food-related experiences while also fostering stronger local connections.In Hyogo Prefecture, a particularly notable initiative has emerged in which local high school students used the donated flour to bake sweets and deliver them to elderly care facilities and children’s kitchens, creating a cycle of intergenerational community support.Food loss reduction and food assistance go beyond simply reducing waste or distributing supplies. They have the power to inspire hope, create positive experiences, and encourage forward-looking attitudes among recipients.JapanHarvest promotes effective solutions to social challenges by fostering equal partnerships between companies, non-profit organizations, and local communities, in alignment with SDG Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.JapanHarvest will continue to expand collaboration with companies and organizations both in Japan and internationally, further strengthening the network for food loss reduction and food assistance.
News
Activity Report: November 2025
Thank you for your continued support of JapanHarvest.Our Food Rescue activities are expanding steadily across regions, thanks to the heartfelt support of individuals, companies, hotels, farmers, local governments, and even professional sports teams.In November, we were able to deliver food assistance to people in need across multiple communities through a wide range of partnerships.📦 Food Collected (November 1–30, 2025)We received a total of 2,563 kg of food donations in November.We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals, companies, and organizations listed below:Halows Supermarket: 1,594kgKoeido (Confectionery): 329kgKurashiki Kokusai Hotel: 91kgYamazaki Baking: 54kgANA Crowne Plaza Okayama: 5kgANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima: 9kgFresta: 11kgFamilyMart “Famima Food Drive”: 82kgRyobi Platz: 92kgDenon Engineering: 142kgOte Manju Confectionery: 9kgOkayama Prefectural Government: 16kgJapan Emergency Food Promotion Organization: 22kgHiroshima Dragonflies × Famima Food Drive: 6kgLocal egg farms and produce markets: 32kgCommunity-based food drives: 28kgOthers: 44kg👨👩👧👦 Food Support Recipients34 partner facilities + 164 individual households supported4,026 people + 164 households reached through food assistanceIn November, we delivered food to 34 facilities across Okayama, Kagawa, Hiroshima, and Hyogo prefectures, reaching 4,026 individuals.In addition, we provided direct assistance to 164 households, including:Families with children and elderly individuals living alone, referred through local support organizationsHouseholds in Kurashiki’s Mabi District still recovering from the 2018 West Japan Floods📍 Breakdown of Support Locations:[Okayama Prefecture]Children’s ShelterHope Center4 Children’s Welfare Institutions5 Municipal Government Offices3 Community Refrigerators4 Children’s CafeteriasSafe spaces and shelters for childrenSupport homes for youthSenior social salonsMigrant support groupsGroup homes for individuals with disabilitiesDisability support centers4 Employment support centers for individuals with disabilities[Kagawa Prefecture]Children’s HomeLocal support organization[Hiroshima Prefecture]Children’s CafeteriaSingle-parent family supportLivelihood support organization[Hyogo Prefecture]Children’s Cafeteria🍎 Okayama Eco Kitchen – Cooking and Connecting Through Food“Oishii Okayama Eco Kitchen” is a local initiative where rescued agricultural products are used to prepare warm meals in children’s cafeterias and care facilities.In November:52 people joined group cooking at 2 children’s cafeterias218 people shared meals at 4 facilities supporting individuals with disabilitiesThese shared meals are more than just nourishment — they foster moments of warmth and human connection.Cooking together becomes an opportunity to create community.JapanHarvest values these moments and is committed to building stronger local ties through the power of food and shared experiences.🌱 Food as a Bridge for ConnectionThis month, we saw new collaborations not only with companies and municipalities, but also with professional sports teams.In the journey from "surplus food" to "smiles at the table", food proves itself not just as a resource — but as a powerful catalyst for connection.JapanHarvest will continue to serve as a local safety net while deepening partnerships that connect food, community, and dignity.💬 Final WordsEven now, many children, families, and elderly individuals are struggling to access food.If you have unused food at home or in your company, please remember:That food might become someone’s strength to live today."To eat is to live."Let us work together to expand this circle of kindness through food.Thank you again for supporting JapanHarvest and joining our mission.
Report
🏀Hiroshima Dragonflies × FamilyMart — "Famima Food Drive" at B.League Game Sends Food to JapanHarvest —
At a recent B.League basketball match, Hiroshima Dragonflies and FamilyMart collaborated to host a “Famima Food Drive” at the game venue.The donated food items from supportive fans were delivered to JapanHarvest, where they were distributed to families and children in need across the region.🤝 Partnership in Action: Sports × Community × Food RescueThis initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between sports teams, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.Every food item brought by the fans was more than just a donation — it was an expression of care, of solidarity, and of shared purpose.The event embodied the spirit of SDGs Goal 17: “Partnerships for the Goals”, and echoed the global commitment to “Leave No One Behind.”📦 About the InitiativeEvent Date: During a Hiroshima Dragonflies home gameVenue: Special booth inside the game arenaOrganizers: FamilyMart / Hiroshima DragonfliesActivity: Collection of non-perishable food items from spectatorsRecipient Organization: NPO JapanHarvestUse of Donations: Distributed to children’s cafeterias, single-parent families, and vulnerable households through our network📣 An Invitation to Other Companies and TeamsAt JapanHarvest, we are actively looking to partner with other companies, sports teams, and organizations who share our vision.If your organization is exploring ways to:Host a food drive at your store or event,Engage your community through CSR or SDGs-aligned actions, orTurn surplus food into direct community support —We would love to co-create an impactful initiative with you.Together, we can do what one group alone cannot.💬 Final MessageEach donated item carried the warmth and hope of every Hiroshima Dragonflies booster who participated.That love now lives on at someone’s dinner table — as comfort, as connection, and as a reminder:You are not alone.We invite you to stay connected with JapanHarvest as we continue building a circle of kindness through food.
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Meet our JapanHarvest Family
Through food, my goal is to bring joy and prosperity to our country.
Kenichi NaritaFounder & CEO
Learning the value of food through giving and receiving, I'll keep delivering with love and joy!
Yasufumi MaedaDirector
I'll work hard behind the scenes to support the activities, ensuring that all staff and volunteers can shine on the main stage!
Ryo TakahiraDirector
Learning from our work, we've seen how food waste from businesses can vary day by day. We'll keep going to create a better society by balancing supply and demand.
Tetsuya MorikawaDriver
I have found a sense of purpose in helping others, and I am filled with gratitude every day.
Kyoko Tsuyuno Driver
We're thankful to the food donors, receiving facilities, and dedicated staff and volunteers. Gratitude drives Japan Harvest's mission.
Fumie NaritaAdministrative and accountant
This initiative gains support as more businesses join. With less waste, even the food seems happier. Waste is truly treasure. Here's to more support in the future.
Michiko MaejimaStaff
Through this activity, I aim to make food waste more relatable and continue to support many people, creating a joyful and compassionate community.
Yuka NakanishiVolunteer
I read picture books and fairy tales to children to inspire them with dreams and hopes. I also occasionally perform on stage. I am honored to have the opportunity to assist.
Takahisa KusanoVolunteer
There are people who can't eat, and yet food is being wasted.
We're helping to fix both problems at once — and every step brings hope!
Ai YokotaVolunteer
