USSEC Japan participated in the 19^th National Natto Competition held in Kuwana, Tochigi Prefecture.  This competition is organized and sponsored by the Japan Natto Cooperative Society Federation to sponsor and demonstrate the commitment of the U.S. soy industry for the “Red River U.S. Award.”  USSEC established the U.S. soybean prize category in the National Natto Competition in 2011 in collaboration with Northern Food Grade Soybean Association (NFGSA).
Participating team members included Evan Mangino, Agricultural Attaché from the U.S. Embassy Tokyo, and Mitsuyuki Nishumura and Masi Tateishi from USSEC Japan.  Mr. Mangino provided the opening comments at the reception and press meeting in Japanese, stating, “Because of the importance of agricultural trade between our two countries, the U.S. Embassy is dedicated to ensuring that the Japanese natto industry continues to receive a constant, safe and high quality supply from America’s soybean growers.”
Healthy Foods Watanabe, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is the winner of the 4^th “Red River Valley U.S. Award”.  Marumiya, located in Kyushu, is also a winner in the hikiwari category (“hikiwari“ means cracked) made with U.S. soy.  Next year’s natto competition will be held in Mito, Ibaragi Prefecture, the birthplace of natto, as the 20^th anniversary of the event is celebrated.
USSEC continues its strong commitment to the Japanese natto industry.  U.S. soy supplies more than 80% of the soybeans for Japan’s natto, strengthening U.S. identity preserved (IP) soy sales and preserving customer loyalty to U.S. soy.