2023/01/17
Keio University
Based on a mutual cooperation agreement signed last July, Minami-Aso Village, Kumamoto Prefecture (Mayor: Seiichi Kira; hereinafter "Minami-Aso Village"), the Keio University Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) (Kohoku-ku, Yokohama; Dean: Masahiko Inakage; hereinafter "KMD"), and the Kumamoto Prefectural Federation of Livestock Agricultural Co-operative Associations (Representative Director and Chairman: Hiroyuki Aramaki; hereinafter "Kumamoto Prefectural Federation of Livestock Cooperatives") have launched a project to revitalize the region through "ethical livestock farming." The project has expanded to include six other organizations: the Minami-Aso Village Society of Commerce and Industry (hereinafter "Society of Commerce and Industry"), the Minami-Aso Tourism Bureau (hereinafter "Tourism Bureau"), Tokai University Kyushu Campus, Kumamoto Aso Prefectural Farm Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Prefectural Farm"), The Higo Bank, Ltd., and Glocal Crowdfunding, Inc. (hereinafter "GCF"). The project aims to produce "Kumamoto Akaushi" beef in line with ethical consumption, maintain the grassland environment, and promote inspection and experience-based tourism.
Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. (Representative Director and CEO: Shunichi Kito), a corporate supporter of this project, has made a corporate hometown tax donation to Minami-Aso Village to support the future promotion of the project. Additionally, SDS Biotech K.K. (President and Representative Director: Toru Abe; hereinafter "SDS Biotech"), a group company of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd., has decided to provide support for research and development aimed at reducing methane gas emissions from cattle.
Please see below for the full press release.