USSEC Sustainability Symposium 2025
『Soybeans Connecting Sustainable Futures and Healthy Food Systems』

In recent years, the importance of sustainable agriculture and food supply has been increasing. In Japan, in particular, about 70% of edible soybeans are imported from the United States, making cooperation between the two countries indispensable.

As global environmental issues and food security challenges become more severe, achieving sustainable agriculture and food supply is urgent.

Soybeans play a crucial role not only as food but also as feed and industrial raw materials. In Japanese food culture, soybeans are an essential ingredient that contributes to health and longevity.

Through the cooperation between the United States and Japan, we aim to promote the sustainable production and use of soybeans and consider specific actions to support the future of food culture.

This event will discuss the importance of Japan's soybean situation and the establishment of a stable supply chain. We will delve deeply into sustainable soybean production and utilization,
incorporating the latest food and agricultural trends and research findings.
Please join this event.

Overview

Title
USSEC Sustainability Symposium 2025
Soybeans Connecting Sustainable Futures and Healthy Food Systems
Date/time
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
14:00~16:50
Venue

For those attending at the venue:
Akasaka Intercity Conference the Amphitheater
(Akasaka Intercity AIR 4F, 1-8-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

For online participants: online streaming via Zoom

*Please select either option when registering to attend.

Organizer
U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
Co-organized by
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group
Supported by
  • U.S. Embassy,
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
In cooperation
with
  • Sustainable Japan
Charge
Free of charge (Advance registration required)

Program

*Please note that the program is subject to change, including speakers and session times.

14:00~14:05

Opening Comments

Ms. Roz Leeck

Managing Director & Regional Director – Northeast Asia USSEC Ms. Roz Leeck

Ms. Jeanne Bailey

Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs,
Embassy of the United States of America, Tokyo, Japan Ms. Jeanne Bailey

14:05-14:15

Lecture:
Regarding the New Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas - Soybeans

This lecture will focus on restructuring the food system aimed at promoting the diverse utilization of soybeans and reducing environmental impact.

Mr. Kosuke Hanada

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries(MAFF)
Minister's Secretariat New Business and Food Industry Department
Food Manufacture Affairs Division Deputy Director Mr. Kosuke Hanada

14:15-14:35

panel discussion:

Sustainability of American Soybeans: From Agriculture and Livestock to the Table

Actual soybean producers will discuss the role of sustainable soybean production and its challenges in the livestock industry. This session will provide insights into the flow from soybean production to the table and inspire concrete actions toward a sustainable future.

Ms. Janna Fritz
<Panelist>

USSEC Chair
Director, American Soybean Association
Michigan Soybean Farmer Ms. Janna Fritz

Mr.Todd Hanten
<Panelist>

South Dakota Soybean Farmer
Director, United Soybean Board Mr.Todd Hanten

Ms. Roz Leeck
<Moderator>

Managing Director & Regional Director – Northeast Asia USSEC Ms. Roz Leeck

14:50-15:25

Session: Secrets of Japanese Longevity, the Relationship Between Health and Diet

The Role of Soybeans and Health Benefits / Autophagy Reviving Cells - This session will deeply explore the importance of soybeans in Japanese food culture and their role in promoting health and longevity. It will also present concrete approaches for practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Session

Autophagy: The Cellular Mechanism That Holds the Key to Healthy Longevity

Autophagy is a process within our cells that recycles various substances by breaking them down and reusing them. By renewing cellular components and removing harmful substances, it helps prevent a wide range of diseases, including dementia, cancer, infections, and lifestyle-related diseases. Since autophagy activity declines with age, activating this mechanism may help extend a healthy lifespan.

Mr. Tamotsu Yoshimori

Professor Emeritus, Osaka University Mr. Tamotsu Yoshimori

Discussion

Kunihiro Nishizawa
<Moderator>

Visiting researcher
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group Kunihiro Nishizawa

15:25-16:20

Session: Current Status and Potential of Sustainable Feed

This session will explain how American soybeans function as part of sustainable feed and contribute to livestock health and productivity, using specific data and case studies. It will also discuss the potential of soybeans in the feed industry and strategies for sustainable feed supply and communication.

Session①

Mr. Kenji Fuma

CEO Neural Inc.
Professor Shinshu University Mr. Kenji Fuma

Session②

Mr.Tom D’Alfonso

Director Animal & Aquaculture, USSEC Mr.Tom D’Alfonso

Session③

Mr. Takeshi Uno

MANAGER NEW BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY PROMOTION DIV.
CORPORATE PLANNING DEPT.
Marubeni Nisshin Feed Co., Ltd. Mr. Takeshi Uno

Discussion

ロズ・リーク 氏
<Moderator>

Managing Director & Regional Director – Northeast Asia USSEC Ms. Roz Leeck

16:20-16:45

Presentation:

SSAP Update

Ms.Masako Tateishi

Deputy Country Director,
USSEC Japan Ms.Masako Tateishi

Session①

Ms. Mio Ikeda

President , Asahico Co.,Ltd Ms. Mio Ikeda

Session②

Ms.Fusako Kira

President and CEO ,
Marukin Foods Co., Ltd Ms.Fusako Kira

Session③

Mr. Yuhei Kudoh

Executive Vice President,
Taishi Food Inc. Mr. Yuhei Kudoh

Session④

Mr. Masanobu Haga

MERCHANDISER GROUP MERCHANDISE STRATEGY & PLANNING DIVISION
SEVEN PREMIUM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY & PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. Mr. Masanobu Haga

Panel discussion:

Possibilities of Sustainable Soy Products

This session will introduce various companies' product offerings and examples of their sustainability initiatives, examining how the use of sustainable certified ingredients enhances reliability and quality. Additionally, we will consider how sustainable soybean products will shape the future of food culture.

Shogo Fujii
<Moderator>

Chief Consultant
Chairman Researcher
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group Shogo Fujii

16:45-16:50

Closing

トッド・ハンテン氏

South Dakota Soybean Farmer
Director, United Soybean Board
Mr.Todd Hanten

Application

■Request to confirm viewing environment in advance

Zoom's recommended environment

This event will be held by Zoom (streaming). The recommended connection environment is a PC with a cable or WiFi connection.

  • To view this seminar, please use a personal computer (Windows or Mac) or a smart phone or tablet (iOS or Android) that is connected to the Internet.
  • When using a personal computer, a browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, is necessary.
    Please use the app if possible.
  • If using a smart phone or tablet, be sure to install the Zoom app in advance.
    https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting
  • The video may be temporarily interrupted depending on your communication environment.
    Please note that it may be necessary to wait for some time before you are able to reconnect.

■If you will attend a web seminar, you are requested to agree to the following before submitting a request.

  1. The access URL is for use by participants only, and redistribution is prohibited.
  2. Participants are not permitted to conduct any recording or capture of the seminar video.
    In addition, uploading to social media sites and the like is also prohibited. If such a post is discovered, the administrative office may request that it be deleted.
  3. The details of the seminar and information on the instructor are for use during the seminar only and are not to be discussed in other settings.
  4. Please note that if the video or audio is interrupted due to system problems and so on, redistribution will not be possible.
    Participants should adjust their own audio and video.
    In addition, no support will be provided concerning use of the service.
  5. If any connections believed to be abnormal are discovered during the transmission, they may be disconnected without prior warning.
  6. Participants are requested to respond to any interruption of the video or audio due to system problems on their own.
    No support will be provided concerning use of the service.
page top

Contact Information

Nikkei BP Reader Service Center Seminar Department

Contact Information