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Who We Are
JapanHarvest collects surplus quality food from supermarkets and delivers it free of charge to charities that support those in need. We’re working hard to reduce food waste, provide food relief, and encourage societal change through education.
What We Do
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Feed
We collect edible surplus food that’s unsuitable for sale, and deliver it to charities who support people in need.
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Advocate
We’re working hard to spread food sharing initiatives and community fridge programs.
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Education
We publish reports and columns on food related issues including food loss, education and cooking.
Our Impact
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Food Donors
We collect high-quality surplus food from supermarkets, hotels, and other food donors then deliver it free of charge to charities we support!
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Charities
We’re committed to helping feed people in need by delivering produce to children’s homes, cafeterias, government agencies, support organisations and households.
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Meals delivered
Since 2018, we’ve been delivering fresh produce to feed people in need. ( 123917 kg : until 30.September.2025)
Corporate Partners
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JapanHarvest Representative Kenichi Narita Receives the “Food and Agriculture Connection Award 2025” Awarded the Director-General for Consumer Affairs and Safety Award – the only individual recipient in Japan
Kenichi Narita, Representative of JapanHarvest, has been honored with the Director-General for Consumer Affairs and Safety Award (Food Access Assurance Category) at the “Food and Agriculture Connection Award 2025”, organized by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).This award recognizes outstanding initiatives that promote sustainable food systems through collaboration among producers, food businesses, and consumers, based on the revised Basic Act on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas (2024 revision).Among the awardees selected from across Japan, Narita was the only individual recipient in this year’s program.■ Award OverviewOrganizer: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), JapanAward Name: Food and Agriculture Connection Award 2025Category: Food Access AssuranceTitle: Director-General for Consumer Affairs and Safety AwardRecipient: Kenichi Narita (Representative, NPO Japan Harvest)Reason for Selection:Narita operated both a mobile grocery store and a food bank as an individual initiative, securing access to food for people in need.His work contributed to food loss reduction and community welfare, especially through support for children, families, and elderly residents.■ About JapanHarvestSince 2018, Narita has been engaged in food rescue and child food support activities.He established NPO JapanHarvest in 2021 to promote sustainable food redistribution across Japan.Through partnerships with companies, hotels, farmers, and schools, the organization delivers surplus food to households and welfare facilities in need.Narita personally drives the yellow “JapanHarvest Van”, a mobile food bank that travels across the Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kagawa regions, distributing rescued food in collaboration with local community centers and children’s cafeterias.■ Message from the Representative“This award is not just for me—it belongs to everyone who makes our work possible:the companies that donate food, the volunteers who give their time,and the families whose voices inspire us to keep going.We will continue our efforts to build a society where everyone has fair access to food.”■ Future VisionFollowing this recognition, JapanHarvest will continue to strengthen partnerships with corporations and municipalities to build a sustainable food circulation model that connects rural and urban communities.The organization participated in the Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025 “Food Loss Reduction and Utilization Project,”sharing Japan’s approach to food access and circular sustainability with audiences from around the world.
News
Japan Harvest Collaborates with Eight National Pavilions to Rescue 4 Tons of Food after Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai — Official cooperation with the governments of Australia and Canada —
From October 14 to 17, 2025, following the closing of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, JapanHarvest carried out a large-scale food rescue initiative, recovering approximately 4 tons of food in collaboration with eight national pavilions.The project aimed to prevent leftover food from being discarded by collecting refrigerated, frozen, and dry food itemsremaining in pavilion kitchens after the Expo.These rescued items were then distributed to children’s homes, community kitchens, welfare organizations, and local government agencies across Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kagawa Prefectures — reaching thousands of people in need.🤝 Official Cooperation with Australia and CanadaAmong the eight participating countries, the governments of Australia and Canada officially collaborated with JapanHarvest.Government representatives and pavilion teams worked side by side with our staff and volunteers to collect, sort, and deliver food safely to communities.This cross-national effort exemplifies how the Expo’s theme — “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” — continues to inspire action even after the event’s conclusion.🚚 From Food Waste to Shared HopeSince its founding in 2018, JapanHarvest has connected surplus food from companies, farmers, hotels, and local governments to families and children facing food insecurity.This Expo project extended that mission on an international scale — transforming what might have become waste into nourishment and hope.“We wanted the end of the Expo to mark a beginning,”said the representative of Japan Harvest.“Through food, we proved that compassion can transcend national borders.”🌱 Carrying the Expo’s Legacy ForwardThe true legacy of the Expo lies not only in innovation, but in human connection.JapanHarvest will continue building partnerships with global governments, companies, and NGOs to advance a society where no food — and no one — is left behind.🙏 AcknowledgmentJapanHarvest extends heartfelt gratitude to the pavilion teams, volunteers, and partner organizations who supported this initiative.A detailed report of the post-Expo food rescue will be released soon.
News
🌾 Monthly Food Donation & Support Report (September 2025)
Between September 1 and September 30, 2025, Japan Harvest received a total of 2,447 kg (equivalent to 4,894 meals)of donated food from companies, organizations, and local farmers across the region.We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support and cooperation.📦 Major Food DonorsHalows – 1,163 kgYamazaki Baking Co., Ltd. – 61 kgFresta – 15 kgFamilyMart (Food Drive) – 21 kgKurashiki Kokusai Hotel – 93 kgANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Okayama – 5 kgANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima – 7 kgKoeido Confectionery – 348 kgTenmaya Store – 15 kgNeyagawa Community Fridge – 100 kgRyobi Platz – 95 kgLocal Farmers & Markets (Kurashiki, Takahashi, Kibichuo, etc.) – 59 kgEgg Farmers – 28 kgColorful World – 256 kgInterContinental Hotels Group – 102 kgOthers – 79 kgTotal: 2,447 kg🍽️ Distribution and Food Support (35 Locations)Across Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kagawa Prefectures, food assistance reached 3,264 individuals in need.Through partnerships with local governments, welfare organizations, and community centers, we delivered food to families and children who required support.【Okayama Prefecture】Children’s Shelter / Hope Center / 4 Children’s Homes6 Okayama City Government Offices / Kibichuo Town Government / 3 Public Refrigerators6 Children’s Cafeterias / Child Support Groups / 2 Youth Support HomesSenior Citizens’ Salon / Migrant Support Organization2 Facilities for Persons with Disabilities3 Elderly Care Facilities / Homeless Support Group【Kagawa Prefecture】One Children’s Home【Hiroshima Prefecture】Children’s CafeteriasSingle-Parent Family Support GroupPoverty Relief OrganizationFacility for Persons with DisabilitiesIn addition, Japan Harvest provided individual support to:106 low-income households30 households affected by the Mabi Flood Disaster53 individuals experiencing mental health challenges🍳 “Delicious Okayama Eco Kitchen”In collaboration with children’s cafeterias in Okayama City and Bizen City, Japan Harvest organized the “Delicious Okayama Eco Kitchen” program — promoting both food waste reduction and children’s hands-on cooking experiences.Over 80 children participated, using rescued food such as surplus eggs and hotel bread to make egg sandwiches and French toast.Smiling as they cooked, they described the textures with delight —“The eggshell feels rough!”“The bread is so soft!”🙏 Our Sincere ThanksEach and every act of kindness directly connects to the smiles of children and families.Japan Harvest will continue working together with companies, organizations, governments, and communities to build a society where “food connects and supports people.”Thank you for your continued support.
Report
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Japan Office Organizes Food Drive!
The Japan office of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) recently organized an employee-led food drive, collecting over 100 kilograms of food that was generously donated to JapanHarvest.These food items will be delivered to children and families in need across Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kagawa.The smiles of IHG employees as they contributed each item were a powerful encouragement for all of us at Japan Harvest.The Significance of Food DrivesA food drive is a simple yet powerful initiative in which households and workplaces collect surplus food and share it with those in need.It addresses two urgent issues at once: reducing food waste and supporting children’s nutrition.Gratitude and Looking AheadWe would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the employees of IHG for their warm cooperation.JapanHarvest will continue to work with companies and organizations to transform “food that would otherwise be wasted into a source of hope for children’s futures.”Join UsAt JapanHarvest, we actively partner with companies and organizations to expand food drives and promote social contribution activities.By collecting unused food from workplaces and communities, together we can support children’s meals and bring smiles to their tables.If your company or organization is interested in organizing a food drive, we warmly invite you to get in touch with us.
News
Lecture at InterContinental Hotels Group In Tokyo!
In 8th September 2025, JapanHarvest delivered a lecture to the employees of the InterContinental Hotels Group on the theme: “Child Poverty and the Role of Food Assistance.”The lecture highlighted the reality of child poverty in Japan, the often-invisible struggles of families facing financial hardship, and the necessity of food assistance. Using concrete data and examples, we also addressed the social paradox of *food waste existing side by side with child hunger*, which drew strong interest and concern from the participants. Launch of a Food DriveIn conjunction with the lecture, the InterContinental Hotels Group launched a week-long food drive for its employees.A food drive is an initiative where individuals bring surplus food from their homes or workplaces to be redistributed to families and children in need. It is a simple yet impactful activity that both reduces food waste and supports child nutrition. Diverse Ways to ContributeThe lecture also introduced the many ways people can contribute beyond donating food.These include volunteering time, offering professional skills, providing financial support, or helping to spread awareness. Each form of involvement plays a vital role in building a stronger safety net for children in need. ConclusionJapanHarvest will continue to collaborate with companies and communities to transform “food that would otherwise go to waste” into “a source of hope for children’s futures.”We extend our sincere gratitude to the InterContinental Hotels Group for their cooperation and commitment to this important cause.Invitation to OrganizationsJapanHarvest welcomes requests from companies and organizations for lectures and workshops.These sessions provide an opportunity to learn about the current situation of child poverty and food assistance in Japan, while also taking concrete steps such as organizing food drives and social contribution initiatives.Together, let us turn “surplus food” into “a force for children’s futures.”
News
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Meet our JapanHarvest Family
Through food, my goal is to bring joy and prosperity to our country.
Kenichi NaritaFounder & CEO
Learning the value of food through giving and receiving, I'll keep delivering with love and joy!
Yasufumi MaedaDirector
I'll work hard behind the scenes to support the activities, ensuring that all staff and volunteers can shine on the main stage!
Ryo TakahiraDirector
Learning from our work, we've seen how food waste from businesses can vary day by day. We'll keep going to create a better society by balancing supply and demand.
Tetsuya MorikawaDriver
I have found a sense of purpose in helping others, and I am filled with gratitude every day.
Kyoko Tsuyuno Driver
We're thankful to the food donors, receiving facilities, and dedicated staff and volunteers. Gratitude drives Japan Harvest's mission.
Fumie NaritaAdministrative and accountant
This initiative gains support as more businesses join. With less waste, even the food seems happier. Waste is truly treasure. Here's to more support in the future.
Michiko MaejimaStaff
Through this activity, I aim to make food waste more relatable and continue to support many people, creating a joyful and compassionate community.
Yuka NakanishiVolunteer
I read picture books and fairy tales to children to inspire them with dreams and hopes. I also occasionally perform on stage. I am honored to have the opportunity to assist.
Takahisa KusanoVolunteer
There are people who can't eat, and yet food is being wasted.
We're helping to fix both problems at once — and every step brings hope!
Ai YokotaVolunteer
