This document provides information about the "Undiscovered Gems of Japan World Championship" event being held in Singapore on August 23-24, 2023. The event will feature unique products, regions, and companies from across Japan. It will be held at Sol & Ora @ 1-Altitude Coast, owned by 1-GROUP, a Singapore F&B group supporting the event. The championship has previously helped increase sales for unknown Japanese businesses by up to 100 times by connecting them with buyers, media, and potential partners from Singapore and beyond. A panel of judges from various fields in Singapore will select winners who will then have opportunities to expand internationally.
2. Unique products, regions, and companies across Japan
Undiscovered Gems of Japan
World Championship 2023
Undiscovered Gems of Japan Inc, supported by 1-GROUP, Singaporeʼs leading F&B, lifestyle and hospitality
group, will be holding the “Undiscovered Japan Festa'' at Sol & Ora @ 1-Altitude Coast in Sentosa Island. ).
This one-of-its-kind event will feature unique products, regions, and companies across Japan, introducing
the various charms of the country that one has never seen before.
What is “Undiscovered Gems of Japan World Championship”?
From 2016 to 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with Shangri-La Singapore at
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Island to host the Undiscovered Gems of Japan World Championship. In this
championship, Japanese artisans who have excelled in Japan team up with Shangri-La Singapore's chefs
from various countries to compete in collaborative challenges. The Championship format is used to
determine the winners. The top-performing artisans have garnered significant media attention and
experienced a remarkable surge in their sales over the years.
Singapore Partner Company 1-GROUP
For this event, we are supported by 1-GROUP, a Singaporean company that operates restaurants and clubs
across various locations in Singapore. The venue for the event will be "Sol & Ora @ 1-Altitude Coast," a
restaurant owned by 1-GROUP located on Sentosa Island.
After the event concludes, the outstanding products will be incorporated into new menus at 1-GROUP's
affiliated restaurants starting from October 2023.
Helping to tackle challenges in Japanese rural areas
Not just a competition to select winning products, this project has also been known to have produces
innovative products that have never been seen before. Recognised for its role in helping to tackle challenges
in Japanese rural areas such as business succession and an aging population, Undiscovered Gems of Japan
Inc was invited to the SXSW, in the U.S. as a guest speaker.
Donʼt miss the opportunity to experience this special platform that has helped grow the sales of unknown
local businesses by up to 100 times!
VIPs and distinguished personalities
from various fields in Singapore
A panel of judges featuring VIPs and distinguished personalities from various fields in Singapore will select
the top winners from various categories through a competition. Contestants will also receive advice and
support with the aim to releasing their new products in Singapore and other Asian countries.
2
1
1-Group
1-Group is Singaporeʼs leading independent lifestyle F&B group that operates a diverse portfolio
of outstanding concepts comprising award-winning restaurants, chic cafés, throbbing bars &
clubs, romantic wedding and solemnisation spaces, and stunning corporate event venues. The
group houses over 30 distinctly recognisable F&B concepts and brands, each with a narrative
separate from the other, which have garnered the group an unprecedented number of awards and
accolades across its entire portfolio.
So far, these competitions have been organised in 22 prefectures.
1. Aomori: RAB Aomori Broadcasting, 2. Iwate: TVI TV Iwate, 3.Yamagata: YBC Yamagata Broadcasting, 4.
Ibaraki:Mito Shinkin Bank, 5.Gunma: Numata Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 6.
Saitama:Saitama Shinkin Bank, 7. Tokyo:Tama Shinkin Bank, Toshima Ward,(Culture, Commerce and
Industry Department, Life Industry Division)
, 8. Chiba: Minamiboso City, Chiba Television Broadcasting,
Chiba Shinkin Bank, 9. Kanagawa: Hiratsuka Shinkin Bank, 10. Niigata: Minamiuonuma City,
11.Shizuoka: Shizutetsu Just Line, 12. Nara:Nara Prefecture(Okuyamato Immigration and Exchange
Promotion Office)
, 13. Shiga: Shiga Prefecture Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, 14.
Hyogo: Miki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 15.Hiroshima:Hiroshima Prefecture Tourism Federation
(HIT) , 16.Yamaguchi:Yamaguchi Takaramono Exective Commitiee, KRY Yamaguchi Broadcasting, 17.Kochi:
Kochi Takaramono Exective Committee, Muroto City Industry Promotion Division, RKC Kochi
Broadcasting, NPO Association for Food in Kochi, 18. Saga: Saga Takaramono Exective Commitee, 19.
Kumamoto:KKT Kumamoto Kenmin TV, 20. Nagasaki: NiB Nagasaki International TV, 21. Miyazaki:Hyuga
City, Takanabe ShinkinBank, MRT Miyazaki Broadcasting, 22.Okinawa:Okinawa Convention & Visitors
Bureau, OTV Okinawa TV, MTV Miyako TV, 23. Online: Undiscovered Gems of Japan Inc
Statement on 1-Group’s participation in the competition:
As Singapore's leading integrated portfolio F&B lifestyle destination, 1-Group has over 30 brands,
including FLNT and Oumi that offer Japanese Peruvian and Japanese Australian cuisines
respectively. As 1-Group continues its vision of creating enduring memories and exceptional
experiences for all its guests, the culinary team is continually innovating and developing the food
that's offered across the group, which leads us to partner with this competition to bring
interesting products to our guests.
Lamley Chua
Executive Chef, 1-Arden Head of Asian Culinary Development, 1-Group
3. 4
3
”Undiscovered Gems of Japan Project:
Seven Hidden Secrets Gai ning Global Attention"
There are valuable assets in rural areas of Japan. However, these regions are facing challenges due to an
aging population, and even with exceptional skills, many businesses struggle to keep up with societal
changes, leading to closures. To address this issue, since 2009, the founder of Undiscovered Gems of Japan,
Takuya Hane, has collaborated with local educational institutions, local governments, chambers of
commerce, and financial institutions to establish a unique system for revitalizing local businesses and their
products like never before.
01
"A Regional Revitalization Project Built in Collaboration with
Educational Institutions, Local Governments,
Chambers of Commerce, and Financial Institutions"
The project started at Yamaguchi University in 2009, and in 2011, the first local competition was held in
Kochi. It then spread to Chiba and Miyazaki. In 2016, the National Championship took place in Osaka, and the
World Championship was also held in Singapore in the same year. So far, the project has been conducted in
22 out of the 47 prefectures in Japan. In 2022, a total of 1,252 companies participated (including all
organizations that joined local seminars). The project is expanding nationwide.
02
Over 1,000 businesses participate annually in various sectors
such as food, crafts, and tourism. The project is held
in 22 out of the 47 prefectures in Japan!
Until now, many local businesses have been traditional artisans working individually, and they often
struggled with generating innovative ideas or developing products that align with the current trends. In this
project, we bring together businesses from various fields, such as agriculture, fishing, processing,
restaurants, retail stores, designers, drone operators, and more ‒ a mix of traditional and modern expertise.
They collaborate by exchanging advice and leveraging the power of collective wisdom to refine their products
and ideas.
03
Businesses from different fields, blending traditional and
innovative approaches, come together to refine their ideas through
the power of collective wisdom.
Even businesses with exceptional skills cannot keep up with societal and global changes if they remain
confined to their local regions. In this project, we have established four stages: ① Local Seminars→ ② Local
Competitions→ ③ National Championship→ ④ World Championship. Through these four stages, businesses
absorb advice from various speakers and judges, enabling them to achieve a dramatic evolution of their
products within a short period of time.
05 Every year, a lot of products undergo dramatic evolution within a
short period of time, as they progress through four stages.
The products that excel in the regional competitions and receive high praise at the national championship
garner significant media attention, leading to a boost in sales. The product that won first place in the 2016
national championship achieved sales exceeding 300 million yen and became a massive hit. Some products
even find success overseas in places like Hong Kong. After being featured on TV Tokyo's popular program
"Gaia no Yoake," the project experienced record-breaking sales on e-commerce platforms.
06
Increasing sales by 10 times, 20 times is commonplace. Sometimes,
sales skyrocket to 150 times their original figures.
Many businesses have achieved record-breaking sales figures
in Tokyo and through e-commerce platforms.
The Undiscovered Gems of Japan Project received support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in
2019 and conducted a tour in six cities across the United States. In 2020, it was invited as a special guest to
the SXSW in the USA, garnering high acclaim as a project that revitalizes regions and enhances businesses'
products in a short timeframe. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we plan to initiate new projects, including
expanding internationally and organizing tourism tours to Japan. We are currently seeking collaboration
partners who share the vision of this project.
07
The project received high praise at the SXSW in the US and is now
expanding worldwide after the COVID-19 pandemic. We are
currently seeking collaboration partners from various countries!
The judging panel consists of VIPs from various industries who resonate with this project, including
renowned restaurant chefs, hotel and retail store CEOs, buyers, government officials, media professionals,
influencers, and more. They not only participate in the selection process but also provide valuable advice
that leads to product sales. Additionally, they support purchases within their own companies, assist with
media promotions, and even foster extraordinary collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries, giving
rise to innovative developments beyond imagination, even after the competition.
04
VIP judges from various fields. Not just selecting winners,
but also selling their products and expanding to
extraordinary collaborations.
4. 6
5
Opening
14:00
14:20
15:40
16:40
17:40
Opening
Trailblazer Division
Presentation
Transformation Division
Presentation
Japan Plus Division
Presentation
Premium Wagyu Division
Presentation
Judges' Discussion
Sweet Endings Division
Presentation
Announcement of Results Judges' Discussion
Announcement of Results
13:00
13:20
14:20
15:30
16:30
17:40
Dear Judges
from the Producer,
Finally, we are able to hold the "Undiscovered Gems of Japan World Championship" in Singapore for the first time in four
years. This is such an indescribable joy for us.
Four years ago, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to cancel the World Championship just three weeks before it was due
to take place. These past four years have been extremely tough for our Japanese artisans. Yet, everyone persevered,
participating in our seminars and competitions. Our project has since expanded and grown significantly over the past years.
Your judging energizes the regions of Japan.
We are glad to introduce to you Innovative products like the "Noah's Ark Farming Method Tomatoes", developed amidst a great
flood; the "Sparkling Tea" that can be sold worldwide; and the "World-Changing Cocoa", a product made from Indonesian
cocoa by a Japanese sweet company, have arrived in Singapore in large numbers.
The artisans that win the championship in Singapore will be featured prominently in various media outlets. They would expect
their sales to increase tenfold, even a hundredfold, and their lives would change dramatically.
However, the purpose of this championship is not just to select the top products. The products chosen here will be noticed,
their businesses will grow, and it will lead to the revitalization of their communities. Through your judging, there is a
possibility that the regions of Japan will experience their much-awaited positive changes.
Today, I look forward to creating a new history with all of you.
Today, let's witness together the moment when the Undiscovered Gems of Japan become the Discovered Gems of Japan.
It is in difficult times that new things are born.
23, August,
2023
(Wed.)
24, August, Judges
2023
(Thu.)
Takuya Hane
Producer of Undiscovered Gems of Japan Project
During the event, other distinguished
personalities besides those listed
above will also be joining the panel of judges.
Lamley Chua
Executive Chef, 1-ArdenHead
of Asian Culinary Development,
1 GROUP
Atsushi Taira
Chairman, The Edgeof, Pte. Ltd.
Managing Director,
Mistletoe Singapore
Audrey Lim
Food Influencer
Christopher Leow
Founder, The Freestyle Farmer
Chan Guat Cheng
Executive Director,
CHAN BROTHERS TRAVEL PTE LTD
Hiro Kunimitsu
CEO, FiNANCiE
Lee Hoi Leong
Co-Founder, Vivita Singapore Limited
Executive Committee Member,
Singapore
Gilbert Oh
Executive Committee Member,
Singapore
Dharni
beatboxer
World Champion
Weronika Heck
influencer
Cash Fong
Japanese Cuisine Executive Chef,
Tung Lok Group
Jaymee Tan
Executive Director,
Restaurant Association of Singapore
Foo Kah Lee
CEO, RE&S Holdings
Ittichai Benjathanasombat
Japanese Gastronomy Enthusiast
Managing Director,
Foodies Tradings 956 Co., Ltd.
Koki Yasuda
CEO & Sushi Chef,
Sushi Entrepreneur Group
Lim Huan Chiang
Group CEO,
A-SMART HOLDINGS LTD
Kazuki Sakamoto
Head, Singapore Office,
Sagri Co., Ltd
Puay Seng Kang
CEO, Gong Cha (Singapore) Pte Ltd
For past years, I am always very
much inspired by the winners in
"Undiscovered Gems of Japan." I
can feel the high spirit in their
participation, I can appreciate
their craftsmanship in the food.
Their success in the event is the
first step towards globalization.
(from Thailand) (from Abu Dhabi)
(from Poland)
5. DAY1
WORLD
Trailblazer Division
i n n o v a t i v e p r o d u c t s d e v e l o p e d b y c h a l l e n g i n g n o r m s
Japan Plus Division
p r o d u c t s d e v e l o p e d b y i n t e g r a t i n g t h e b e s t e l e m e n t s f r o m w i t h i n a n d b e y o n d J a p a n
8
7
Kodamaya, Inc.
Ushiki Mushroom
Garden Ltd.
Mushroom sashimi using
"Uonuma Tenkeiko from Ushiki
Mushroom Garden" produced in
Niigata, one of Japan's heaviest
snowfall areas, to maximize the
"umami" component.
Mountain Abalone mushroom
Tenkeiko
Minami-Uonuma
Niigata
Yuzuki
StudioKien
Sanchu
A handmade kit to experience the
traditional Japanese spice,
shichimi. Experience the aroma
of the collaboration of rare
medicinal herbs and Yoshino
cedar.
7 spices handmade kit
Yamato Shichimi
Nara
Agrish, Inc.
Noah's Ark Farming," which takes
plant survival instincts to the
extreme and is resistant to flood
damage and drought. Tomatoes
of unprecedented sweetness and
high nutritional value and their
juices.
Sun's TAMAMONO Rich Sweet Tomato
〔Online 〕
Saga
WAKUWAKU Co.
Funa-zushi, traditional sushi from
Shiga, is famous for its strong
fermentation. Its power is
transformed into a seasoning
that produces a surprisingly
delicious taste.
Funazushi Umami broth
Yii
Shiga
Bodhi Tea &
Culture
Refreshing sour sparkling tea
made from patented lactic acid
fermentation tea. A new type of
non-alcoholic drink that will
change the world's "Cheers".
sparkling tea
bodhi
Shizuoka
Horiuchi Fruit
Farm.Co.,Ltd
GELATERIA nonna
A luxurious sweet that combines
t h e ge n t l e s we e t n e s s of
p e r s i m m o n s g r o w n o n a
120-year-old farm with the
delicious flavor of various
ingredients in a gelato.
Gelato in dried persimmon
Honobono
Nara
SAIGON
RESTAURANT
(Vina Corporation
Co. Ltd.)
Sweet fried spring rolls with
mochi and red bean paste &
banana which are loved by both
Japanese and Vietnamese.
Served with sweet fish sauce
and Vietnamese coffee sauce.
AMI AMI Sweets Spring Roll
Toshima
Tokyo
SWEETS CO.,LTD.
Lotte Inc.
An innovative dessert that
astonishes with the freshly
ground aroma of cocoa, achieved
through DariK's groundbreaking
new technology. A project that
will revolutionize the world of
cocoa.
The cacao that changes the world
〔Online 〕
Kochi・Kyoto
CHAMPIONSHIP
6. DAY2
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Transformation Division
p r o d u c t s d e v e l o p e d b y t h i n k i n g o u t o f t h e b o x a n d g o i n g b e y o n d i n d u s t r i a l s t e r e o t y p e s
Premium Wagyu Division
f e a t u r i n g t h e h i g h e s t q u a l i t y b e e f f r o m J a p a n
TOFU MEAT
Co., Ltd.
A plant-based food made from
100% domestic soybean curd
processed with our proprietary
technology.
And it has a meat-like taste and
texture without the smell
characteristic of soybeans.
TOFU MEAT
Yamaguchi
MOKKEI
A completely new chicken broth
made by an artisan who makes
salt worth 1 million yen per
kilogram and a chef selected by
Gault et Millau.
Premium Dried Chicken
Mokkei
Kochi
Kochi Shogyo
High School
Jyoseikan
This mini cake was made by high
school students in cooperation with a
traditional Japanese inn with over
100 years of history.A portion of the
proceeds has supported the project
of building schools in Laos, including
t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f a n e w
kindergarten in 2022.
Glocal Baumkuchen
Kochi
VANTECH
Co.,Ltd.
The ""50mm & Φ8"" is a magical
sake cup that allows you to enjoy
the changing flavors of the sake.
Make your regular evening drink
a special experience.
Magical taste changer with Kachiuma wine
Shiga
Daikichi Shoten
Co.,Ltd.
Made from the finest Omi beef,
this specialty roast beef has been
adored by the locals since my
father's generation.
Omi beef is of high quality and is
highly evaluated in Dubai and
France.
Daikichi's Omi Roast Beef
Shiga
Nikunofugane
Inc.
Iwate Shorthorn Wagyu Beef is
carefully aged with "Noda Salt".
Iwate Shorthorn Cecina is
Japan's first prosciutto that
maximizes the aromatic grassy
flavor and rich taste.
Spanish prosciutto
Iwate Shorthorn Beef CECINA
Iwate
Ogawachikusan
Finishing cattle by feeding them
high quality olive oil lowers the
triglycerides in the cattle and
makes the fat in the meat better
quality!
kiyoe olive Ogawa Beef
Shimabara
Peninsula
Nagasaki
10
9
7. DAY2
12
11
Agricultural start-up founded in 2018, with offices
in India and Singapore, expanding globally to
support farmers in emerging markets. Implemented
carbon credit project through farmland plotting, soil
analysis, and fertilizer optimization
I founded Sagri because I saw the children of Rwandan farmers working as child laborers on their farms, unable to fulfill their
dreams.
I also served as a judge for “Undiscovered Gems of Japan" domestic competition, because I sympathized with the project, as
I grew Sagri business from the region of Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, and expanded it to the rest of the world to become
ʻDiscovered Gemsʼ.
Sweet Endings Division
a c o l l e c t i o n o f t h e n e w e s t J a p a n e s e s w e e t s
FLEMIN
There is nothing to eat on the go
due to allergies, illness, culture,
etc. This ice cream is the solution
to such problems.
Flemin Gelato
Niigata
GELATO 808
(LINK BALL CO.,LTD.)
Kijoshu made for entertaining
guests from overseas has been
aged for 10 years until it has a
rich flavor and is kneaded into
gelato.
Gelato in pursuit of health
GELATO 7
Hokumou Kuroho
Co.,Ltd
Yukihotaka Co.,Ltd
Konjac, a traditional health food in
Japan, and rice, the staple food of the
Japanese people, have given birth to
a new healty sweets.
Hearte
SWEETS CO.,LTD.
Muroto Geopark
Promotion Committee
Introducing a new exquisite sweet
made from the exceptional 'Nishiyama
Kogane-imo,' a variety of sweet potato
grown on the Nishiyama Plateau in
Kochi. This treat captures the true
essence of the sweet potato without
any additives or artificial ingredients.
Nishiyama kintoki sweet potato roll
Kochi
Minami-Uonuma
Gunma Tonenumata
Kanagawa Hiratsuka
Konjac and rice flour sweets
Sagri
Shunsuke Tsuboi (CEO and founder) Forbes 30 under 30 Japan & Asia
My experience working in the field of international cooperation with the United Nations and Japanese government agencies
convinced me that technology can save the world, and I joined Sagri to save farmers
Sagri has a technological advantage in soil analysis from
satellite data, which is very affordable and fast; the Sagri
application allows farmers to optimize fertilizer application.
Farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions through
fertilizer optimization and earn carbon credits; Sagri can
assist farmers and earn additional income by selling carbon
credit. Sagri is looking for people and companies interested
in purchasing carbon credit to offset footprint.
Kazuki Sakamoto (Head, Singapore Office)
How Sagri Saves Farmers and the Planet
Save farmers and the planet
by joining Sagri carbon credits program!
(SATELLITE × AI × GRID)
Sagri Website Linkedin
(Kazuki)
WhatsApp
(Kazuki)
Discovered Gem in Tamba,
Hyogo Prefecture, improving the livelihoods
of farmers around the world with the help
of satellites and AI!
8. In 2022, Nara prefecture organized the annual “Undiscovered Gems of Japan”
seminar and Grand Prix for the third consecutive year.Building on past experience,
the prefecture engaged in new, effective promotion strategies that were previously unexplored!
Okuyamato Fair in Tokyo ~ Grand Prix Garnering Much Attention!
Unprecedented visual promotional footage by drones!
Three prominent influencers sharing information worldwide
Merits of the three-year continuity
of the Undiscovered Gems of Nara
Nara prefectureʼs award-winning products and
their related items, which had achieved
outstanding results in the previous regional and
national championships, are showcased at
“Nara Mahorobakan” ‒ the prefectureʼs flagship
store located in Shimbashi, Tokyo. The past two
years of achievements are crystallised in the
Okuyamato Fair, featuring collaboration menu
items at the adjoining cafe, and a special
Kuzumochi workshop by Inoue Tengyokudo.
With Undiscovered Gems of Japan official
s e t- u p a n d p o s t e r s , a n d t h e c o n c e r t e d
promotional efforts by the officials of Nara
prefecture government, outstanding sales
results were achieved!
In conjunction with the hosting of the 7th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Nara
prefecture, a promotional video showcasing the tour of Naraʼs Undiscovered Gems was created
and screened at the forum. Renowned influencers were invited to participate in the tour and
promote its contents through their own social media platforms. The video used stunning visuals
and drone footage to capture the hidden beauty of Nara's Okuyamato region. It was a remarkable
success, leaving even the influencers themselves astonished by the video's viral impact!
The Undiscovered Gems of Nara started in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The local community, who had earnestly
engaged in honing their craft, adapted themselves to the changing times and became the "messengers" who actively worked to
expanding sales channels. As a result, products born from the “Undiscovered Gems of Nara” project gained high recognition
nationwide. Today, experienced veterans take the lead in coaching and guiding the new members, leading to the formation of a
new community that transcends different professional fields, resulting in innovative collaboration products created through
mutual inspiration and competition. The “Undiscovered Gems of Japan” community continues to grow, and we have high
expectations that it will bring vitality not only to the Okuyamato region but also to Japan as a whole.
The “Undiscovered Gems of Nara” Project
See
video
here!
Nara Prefectural Goverment
Oku-Yamato Regional Revitalization Division Director: Hiroshi Yonekawa
Soak up the sun and celebrate every one of lifeʼs moments at Sentosa islandʼs latest rooftop lifestyle
destination, 1-Altitude Coast.
Perched atop the roof of The Outpost Hotel, the premier day-to-night adult-exclusive beachfront playground
features an al fresco bar and day club with stunning views of the Singapore Straits and Palawan Beach, and
an all-day casual dining experience at Sol & Ora.
Latin for “the Sun and the Shore”, Sol & Ora shines the light on four classic cuisines. Like the synergy
between the Sun and Shore, it brings together dishes from the Latin-Mediterranean region ‒ including Italy,
France, Greece and Spain, in a seamless menu of timeless recipes, reinvented with a twist and finesse ‒ from
sunrise to sundown.
1-A ltitude Coast a nd Sol & Ora
Event Venue
1-Altitude Coast and Sol & Ora
Level 7 The Outpost Hotel,
10 Artillery Avenue, Sentosa Island
Singapore 099951
Nearest Monorail Station: Imbiah Station
Reservations: reservation@1-altitudecoast.sg
Call / WhatsApp us: +65 8879 8765
Undiscovered Gems of Japan Inc.
Organized by
Active Learning Corporation
Coordinated by
Executive Committee Member, Singapore
Supported by
Masaki Uotani
Official Photography
:
13 14
One million
views on TikTok
in just
one month!
Mail
:
info@undiscovered.jp Official Web Page
Lee Hoi Leong, Gilbert Oh, Kennard Xu, Mari Kurosawa, Hiroshi Harada, Haruhiko Miyano