Students from Kyushu joined JapanHarvest!

On 13th March, two university students from Oita and Kumamoto in Kyushu joined JapanHarvest’s activities. While working together, they shared that their experience today had become a significant step toward pursuing their dreams. Hearing this was truly inspiring.We, too, started on this journey in 2017 when we first reached out to OzHarvest in Australia. That one action led to the launch of JapanHarvest in 2018. Visiting food banks in various countries and learning from their approaches has shaped the work we do today.If JapanHarvest can be more than just a food support organization—if it can be a place where young people find inspiration and take their next steps—then that, too, is an important role for us to play. We will continue our efforts to create a future filled with hope and opportunities.Together, we can change Japan!

News 2025.03.20

8 Years of Fighting Food Waste & Supporting Communities!

From February 7 to March 9, we received generous food donations from numerous companies and organizations! 💛🖤💛🖤Total Donations: 1,701 kgHallows: 1,350 kgYamazaki Baking: 47 kgFresta: 8 kgKoeido: 88 kgKibun West Japan: 60 kgANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Okayama: 20 kgANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima: 6 kgFamima Food Drive: 45 kgRyobi Platz: 14 kgTenmaya Store: 1 kgSingle Origin: 28 kgMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications: 8 kgOther Contributions: 26 kgThese donations were shared with those in need across various locations:Food Assistance ProvidedOkayama City:Children’s shelter (3 times)Hope Center (4 times)Two child welfare institutions (1 time)Local government agencies (12 times)Three children's cafeteriasChildren's support organizations (1 time)Children’s support homes (1 time)Senior support groups (2 times)Immigrant support organizations (2 times)85 households, including single-parent families, elderly households, and at-risk familiesKurashiki City:Two children’s cafeterias (5 times)Child day service (1 time)Child welfare institution (1 time)Japan Harvest Kurashiki Community Pantry: Assisted 40 at-risk households (5 times)Mabi Town: Supported 20 households affected by past flooding (2 times)Kibi Chuo Town: Child welfare institution (2 times)Misaki Town: Children's cafeteria (1 time)Hiroshima City:Support organization for struggling households (1 time)78 single-parent householdsChildren's cafeteria (1 time)💛🖤 Total Beneficiaries: 1,872 people received food assistance! 💛🖤🎉 March 9: JapanHarvest Enters Its 8th Year! 🎉For the past seven years, Japan Harvest has provided completely free food assistance—from collection to delivery—without any financial burden on recipients.This has been possible because of you.Your generosity has turned food waste into hope and provided essential support to those in need.You are the driving force behind this movement!Now, as we step into our 8th year, we need your continued support.Together, let’s deliver more nutritious meals to children and families.Together, let’s work towards a future of zero food waste and zero hunger.We invite you to stand with Japan Harvest as we take the next big step forward! 🚀✨💛 With deepest gratitude—thank you for being part of this journey! 💛

Report 2025.03.10

From Year-End to Setsubun: 76 People Supported Daily Through Your Generosity!

Food Donations Rescued Between December 30 and February 6: A Heartfelt Thank You!💛🖤💛🖤From December 30 to February 6, we received generous food donations from various companies and organizations:Halows: 1,879kgHalows Logistics Center: 100kgYamazaki Baking: 72kgFressta: 17kgKoueido: 594kgKibun Nishinihon: 9kgANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Okayama: 33kgANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima: 9kgFamima Food Drive: 106kgRyobi Platz: 93kgTenmaya Store: 1kgSingle Origin: 28kgTotal → 2,935kgThese rescued foods were shared with:In Okayama City:Children's shelters (4 times)Hope Center (4 times)Two child welfare institutions (6 times)Municipal administrative offices (9 times)Seven children's cafeteriasOrganizations supporting children's spaces (1 time)Child support homes (1 time)Senior citizen salons (2 times)Immigrant support organizations (2 times)Disability support facilities (1 time)A total of 232 households, including families with children, senior households, and other households requiring assistanceIn Kurashiki City:Two children's cafeterias (6 times)Child daycare services (1 time)A child welfare institution (3 times)Community fridge “Minna no Reizouko” (1 time)Community pantry by the Japan Harvest Kurashiki Team: Support provided to 40 local households in need (4 times)20 households in Mabicho affected by past heavy rain disasters (1 time)In Kibi Chuo Town:Child welfare institutions (3 times)40 individuals requiring living supportIn Akaiwa City:A children's cafeteria (1 time)In Hiroshima City:Organizations supporting households in financial distress (1 time)124 single-parent householdsA children's cafeteria (1 time)In Neyagawa City:Community Fridge (2 times)Grand Total: 2,993 people supported with “Food Assistance.”💛🖤💛🖤On January 6, ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima began contributing food to our efforts. You can watch the video here 👉 NHK Report - January 6.At Japan Harvest, we are committed to rescuing as much food as possible and delivering it to those in need, spreading happiness and smiles to everyone we reach.Our work is made possible by your kindness and support. Your contributions, such as 500 yen donations that help us deliver two meals at no cost to recipients, mean the world to us. Thank you for standing by us, and we hope you’ll continue to support us in the future!💛🖤💛🖤Watch a video about Japan Harvest’s activities here 👉 NHK Report - October 31Famima Food Drive participating stores for Japan Harvest 👉 Famima Food Drive Locations4o

Report 2025.02.08

Corporate Partner Kōeidō Employees Join JapanHarvest’s Food Support Activities!

Nine employees from Kōeidō, a corporate partner of Japan Harvest, recently participated in our food support activities. Kōeidō, recognized for its commitment to reducing food waste and contributing to local welfare, was honored with the 2024 Okayama SDGs Award for its outstanding initiatives.As part of the program, the employees joined Japan Harvest in visiting three children's welfare institutions, where they helped distribute food. During the visit, the directors of the institutions expressed their heartfelt gratitude with tears in their eyes, saying,"It is truly a blessing for the children to enjoy these special sweets, which they rarely have the opportunity to eat."Seeing the children’s joy, some Kōeidō employees were deeply moved, with some shedding tears as they witnessed firsthand the impact of their company’s contributions.At Japan Harvest, we are dedicated to expanding our initiatives that combine food waste reduction with welfare support through strong partnerships with corporations. We will continue collaborating with businesses and organizations to create a compassionate society through food.

Report 2025.01.22

JapanHarvest Hiroshima Team Provides Food Support to Noto Peninsula Earthquake Victims

On January 12th and 13th, 2025, the JapanHarvest Hiroshima Team traveled to the Noto Peninsula to provide food assistance to those affected by the recent earthquake.The Hiroshima Team acted swiftly, delivering essential supplies to local residents while closely monitoring the situation on the ground. This support included food donated through FamilyMart’s "Famima Food Drive," which was distributed to evacuation centers and families impacted by the disaster. The team’s goal was to offer some comfort and relief during a challenging time.This effort would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our nationwide partner companies and contributors.JapanHarvest remains committed to providing prompt disaster response and ongoing support to local communities while continuing our mission to reduce food waste and improve welfare.Support Our Efforts:Donate HereYahoo Donation Page

Report 2025.01.14

JapanHarvest Hiroshima Team Begins Food Support for Single-Parent Families in Hiroshima!

On January 6, 2025, the JapanHarvest Hiroshima team received its first donation of bread from ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima. Thanks to this generous support, the team has launched a new food assistance initiative in collaboration with local organizations, providing essential support to single-parent families in Hiroshima City. Moreover, this marks the beginning of regular bread donations, enabling sustainable and ongoing support.The donated bread was directly delivered to single-parent families in Hiroshima City, helping to bring comfort to their daily lives. One family shared their joy, saying, "We were so happy to receive such delicious bread that we could enjoy as a family."JapanHarvest continues to work with corporate partners to reduce food waste and support local communities. This partnership has enabled us to reach even more people in need, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved.Using the Hiroshima team as a model, JapanHarvest aims to establish teams across the country, expanding its support to meet the specific needs of each region. By balancing food waste reduction and welfare enhancement, we are committed to spreading this impactful initiative nationwide, bringing hope and support to countless individuals.Let’s create a brighter future together through food waste reduction and community support!

News 2025.01.06

Providing Food to Children During the Christmas Season: 2,805 kg Donated

Between November 26 and December 29, 2024, Japan Harvest partnered with corporate sponsors to receive a total of 2,805 kilograms of food. These donations were distributed to 2,660 individuals through support organizations and welfare facilities in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Osaka Prefectures.This initiative aims to reduce food waste and support local communities by ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need. Japan Harvest remains committed to collaborating with corporations and community groups to promote food waste reduction and improve welfare in Japan.※The photo shows the Japan Harvest Hiroshima team donating food to a children's welfare facility in Hiroshima City. Fruit jelly and drinks were delivered to 20 children in Hiroshima City!

Report 2024.12.29

Collaboration with ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima Begins!

We are thrilled to announce that JapanHarvest has started a partnership with ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima to provide food assistance. Starting from January 6, 2024, the food donated by the hotel will be delivered promptly to individuals in need and welfare organizations within the community.This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding our efforts to reduce food waste and support the local community, contributing to the creation of a sustainable society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima for their generous support.We remain committed to delivering smiles and hope through food. Thank you for your continued support and attention to our activities.

News 2024.12.21

Year-End Support: Delivering Warmth with Canned Yakitori and Sanma Kabayaki

Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Agricultural Administration Office, we are thrilled to have received a generous donation of canned yakitori (grilled chicken) and sanma kabayaki (Pacific saury in sweet soy sauce). These high-quality, delicious canned foods will be a great source of comfort for families in need.As the year draws to a close, we know that the holiday season can be a challenging time for many households. This donation allows us to provide essential food items to those who need them most. The canned goods will be distributed to vulnerable households and welfare facilities in Okayama Prefecture and beyond, ensuring that everyone can enjoy warm and nourishing meals during the festive season.Food brings people together, and these canned items will bring more than just nutrition—they’ll bring hope and happiness to families during the year-end and New Year holidays.We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution. At Japan Harvest, we are driven by the belief that food can change lives, and this support strengthens our resolve to continue building a kinder, more supportive community for all.Stay tuned as we share the smiles and stories from those who receive this thoughtful gift!

Report 2024.12.12

Received 600kg of Ginger Ale Thanks to the Introduction from Okayama Social Welfare Council!

We are thrilled to announce that, through the kind introduction of the Okayama Social Welfare Council, we have received 600kg of ginger ale made with domestically grown ginger! With Christmas just around the corner, we hope to spread the festive cheer to children and families through this special treat.The ginger ale will be delivered to households in need across Okayama, Hiroshima, and Osaka Prefectures. Our goal is to bring smiles to children’s faces and create warm holiday memories for everyone involved.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this possible. JapanHarvest remains committed to supporting our communities and bringing joy through meaningful food assistance programs!

Report 2024.12.09

A Heartwarming Thank-You Letter from Children❤️

We recently received a beautiful thank-you letter from the children at one of the facilities where we donate food. Filled with charming illustrations and heartfelt messages, their words of gratitude truly touched us.As Christmas approaches, this thoughtful gesture warmed our hearts and reminded us of why we do what we do. Moments like these are what drive us to continue our efforts in food support and bring smiles to those in need.With your continued support, we aim to spread even more joy and smiles to children and families through our activities. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Report 2024.11.30

300kg of Emergency Stockpile Rice Donated by Okayama Prefecture！

This year, rising rice prices have placed an increasing economic burden on many families. In response to this challenge, Okayama Prefecture has generously donated 300kg of alpha rice originally reserved for disaster preparedness. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this invaluable support.At Japan Harvest, we are committed to delivering this rice promptly to households in need, with a particular focus on families raising children who require various forms of support.Our mission: "To provide the right amount, at the right time, to the tables that need it most."With smiles and care, we aim to bring warmth and hope to these families during this challenging season.Your continued cooperation and support make it possible to bring light to those facing hardship. This winter, let’s extend our circle of kindness and ensure that everyone can experience the comfort of a “warm winter.”Thank you for standing with Japan Harvest as we continue to make a difference, one meal at a time!

Report 2024.11.23

Supporting the Famima Food Drive at FamilyMart Stores in Okayama and Hiroshima!

At FamilyMart stores in Okayama and Hiroshima, 58 locations participating in the Famima Food Drive are supported by Japan Harvest. The food donations collected at these stores are picked up by Japan Harvest and distributed to households in need, support groups, and local government agencies, helping to improve welfare in the community.If you’re interested in supporting Japan Harvest’s mission, or if you’ve ever thought, "I’d like to help someone, but I feel a bit shy…” please feel free to visit a participating FamilyMart store. We’ll make sure your generosity reaches those in need along with your kind thoughts.For a list of FamilyMart stores participating in the Famima Food Drive with Japan Harvest, click here: Famima FoodDrive Locations

News 2024.11.03

JapanHarvest to Be Featured on NHK !

On October 31, at 18:10, Japan Harvest’s activities will be featured on the NHK Okayama program “Mogitate!”October is Japan’s Food Loss Reduction Month, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Consumer Affairs Agency. We are honored to have our work on food loss reduction highlighted by the media for the first time in Japan on the final day of this campaign.The program is here→https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/okayama/20241031/4020021783.htmlWe are truly grateful for this opportunity and warmly welcome student visits, interviews, and media inquiries. Thank you all for your continued support.

Media 2024.10.31

Building a Caring Community Through Food: Residents Unite to Reduce Food Waste in Kibi Chuo Town , Okayama

October is Food Loss Reduction Month, and to coincide with this, Kibi Chuo Town in Okayama Prefecture will be hosting the "Residents Supporting Each Other Through Food" project from October 24th to 31st. This project aims to encourage residents to reduce food waste while supporting those in need by donating surplus food to their fellow community members. It fosters a sense of kindness and solidarity, contributing to the creation of a caring and supportive community. Specifically, residents of Kibi Chuo Town are invited to donate food that is still edible but no longer needed from their households. Food donation boxes will be placed at two locations within the town hall. After the project concludes on the 31st, Japan Harvest will collect the donated food and deliver it to the town’s welfare department, which will then distribute it to households in need as part of their food assistance program. JapanHarvest, drawing on its extensive experience in food loss reduction and food support activities, is proud to collaborate with local government offices on this initiative. We hope that projects like this will contribute to the well-being of residents and strengthen the community’s food support system. We welcome inquiries from support organizations, government agencies, and other parties interested in strengthening food assistance and welfare through similar initiatives. Feel free to contact us at any time. Let’s share our passion and work together to improve the welfare of communities across Japan!

News 2024.10.23

University Students from Nagoya Join Us!

On October 16 and 17, 5 university students from Nagoya participated in JapanHarvest’s activities. They are studying food waste reduction initiatives and visited us to observe our "warehouse-free food bank model." Unlike traditional food banks, our food rescue activities involve collecting food directly from supermarkets, convenience stores, and manufacturers and delivering it immediately to those in need.During the 2 days, we collected food from 10 supermarkets, 6 convenience stores, a Japanese confectionery company, a hotel, and a bakery. These were donated to government agencies, children's homes, children's cafeterias, shelters for children, and organizations supporting immigrants.We will continue to welcome visits and share our model to promote awareness of food rescue efforts. If you are interested, feel free to contact us!

Report 2024.10.18

Momotani Juntenkan Group, Founded in 1885, Becomes a Corporate Partner of JapanHarvest!

We are excited to welcome Momotani Juntenkan Group, a renowned cosmetics manufacturer and retailer founded in 1885, as a new corporate partner of JapanHarvest. The cosmetics provided by Momotani Juntenkan will be distributed to individuals facing difficult circumstances, including those suffering from financial hardship or mental distress due to domestic violence. These vital items will reach not only Okayama Prefecture but also Hyogo and Hiroshima Prefectures. With your continued support, we aim to bring smiles and confidence to even more people in need.

News 2024.10.07

JapanHarvest Meets Minister Hanako Jimi!

On September 11th, JapanHarvest had the honor of meeting with Hanako Jimi, Minister of State for Special Missions, during her visit to Okayama Prefecture. This meeting was facilitated by Halows, with President Sato and Product Management Director Ohta in attendance.During the visit, Minister Jimi observed the "Halows Model" and learned about JapanHarvest's initiatives, including our "foodbank without a warehouse" model and "collaboration with government agencies to support those in need."Minister Jimi, who is also responsible for next year's Expo in Kansai, expressed interest in our goal to expand beyond Okayama to regions like Hiroshima, Osaka, and Tokyo, enhancing public welfare throughout Japan.We are grateful to Halows for this valuable opportunity and to Minister Jimi for her time and support. We look forward to continued collaboration in the future.

News 2024.09.18

Thank you for visit!

Thank you for your visit! Officials from the Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Agricultural Administration Office and a professor from the International Pacific University!On July 30, officials from the Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Agricultural Administration Office and Professor Ogawa from the International Pacific University spent a day with Japan Harvest!Our activities at JapanHarvest were featured as a case study in the "Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas White Paper" for the 2022 fiscal year, published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2023.Through this connection, the officials and the professor participated in JapanHarvest’s food rescue activities.At JapanHarvest, we warmly welcome inspections and visits. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us!

Report 2024.08.23

Website is now live!

The Japan Harvest website is now live!With versions available in both Japanese and English this project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Marubeni Foundation for Social Welfare.Special appreciation to Sun Ad Co. Ltd. who collaborated with OzHarvest on design and layout.Thank you all!

News 2024.08.20