Sanae Takaichi, Minister of State for the Cool Japan Strategy

Tetsuro Maeda, Chairman of sonomono Inc.

Emi Hidaka, President of sonomono Inc.

We were specially awarded a certificate of recognition by Minister Takaichi, the Minister of State for the Cool Japan Strategy, who leads the Cool Japan Platform Award “CJPF Award 2024.”

Mayor of Kohoku Town, Kyosuke Yamada

Mayor Kyosuke Yamada of Kōhoku Town, Saga Prefecture, delivered a heartfelt congratulatory message on our CJPF Award win. He also shared inspiring stories about the Kōhoku Town Health Project and his passionate vision for the town’s future development.

Additionally, he introduced the Kōhoku Town Organic Research Association, highlighting their dedication to rice and soybean production as one of the town’s greatest strengths and sources of pride. The audience responded with resounding applause, and the emotional moment even brought many to tears.

Kanze school shite actor Noh actor Yukinori Takao / Akihiro Takao

Fukuoka-based Noh performers Yukinori Takao and Akihiro Takao performed the celebratory Noh piece “Shimaitakasago.” The audience was captivated by the overwhelming power of the performance, experiencing traditional Japanese culture.

Mr. Susumu Ishihara, Special Advisor, Kyushu Railway Company

Mr. Susumu Ishihara of JR Kyushu delivered a speech as the representative of the organizers. He gave us a heartfelt and encouraging message about the circumstances that led to the holding of this celebration, his thoughts on sonomono products, and more.

Former Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ms. Kyoko Nishikawa

Koga Mitsuo, CEO, Koga Management Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Mr. Shunsuke Managi, Professor and Director of Urban Research Center, Department of Urban Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University

Mr. Masanori Inoue, Representative, Kyushu Institute of History and Tourism Strategy

Mr. Masahiro Koga, Permanent Director, Kyushu Economic Forum

Tetsuro Maeda, Chairman, sonomono Inc.

Emi Hidaka, President, sonomono Inc.

Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. Special Advisor, Shingo Matsuo

Our special initiator, Mr. Shingo Matsuo, delivered a toast, sharing inspiring words of encouragement about how this achievement contributes to the revitalization of Kyushu as a whole. With his powerful toast, the gathering transitioned into lively conversations, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

Moderator: Yukiko Nishikawa
Michiko Sugimoto, sonomono Inc.

A quiz event titled “Sonomono Quiz” was hosted by Ms. Nishikawa and Ms. Sugimoto. Participants had the chance to win delicious new rice from Kitahara Farm. The quiz featured heartwarming stories about Sonomono’s partner farmers, and questions about gut microbiota and natto bacteria, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere.

Tetsuro Maeda, Chairman and CEO of Sonomoto Co., Ltd.

As Maeda and the sonomono team took the stage, cheers and applause erupted from the audience. Overwhelmed with emotion, they expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the grand celebration. The event concluded in a warm and uplifting atmosphere, making for a truly fitting finale. Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to achieving sonomono’s vision for the future.

Yuichi Hasegawa, Advisor, Hasegawa Corporation

Mr. Hasegawa delivered the closing remarks, blending energy and humor to elevate the atmosphere to its peak. The event concluded on a high note with the traditional Hakata Te Ippon hand-clapping ritual.
What is Hakata Te Ippon?
A traditional hand-clapping custom performed at the end of festivals, gatherings, and celebrations in Fukuoka, including the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. Unlike the standard “Ippon Jime” (single hand clap), Hakata Te Ippon features a distinctive rhythm with multiple claps, signifying closure, agreement, and a shared resolution.