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Hall of Fame

Chairman of Kewpie Corporation

Kewpie Corporation is a major Japanese food processing corporation founded in 1919 and is most famous for its lineup of mayonnaise products. The company’s founder, Mr. Toichiro Nakashima, first encountered mayonnaise on a visit to the United States and began production of Japan’s first mayonnaise product in 1925. Kewpie Corporation is the largest Japanese importer of U.S. eggs and a major buyer of U.S. corn and U.S. soybeans. Mr. Amane Nakashima became chairman of Kewpie Corporation in 2016.

President of Japan Corn Starch

Japan Corn Starch (JCS) is a leading cornstarch manufacturer in Japan and has been using U.S. corn since 1955 when the company first began production of Japanese cornstarch. Founded 150 years ago (in 1867) by the Kurachi family, the company initially produced wheat starch. Since then, the company has grown to produce a diverse line of products while buying vast amounts of U.S. grains. Under Mr. Kurachi, JCS has partnered with Michigan State University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to incorporate advanced U.S. technologies into its business.

President of Japan Green Tea Co., Ltd.

Japan Green Tea has been importing and selling value-added U.S. food products for decades. Jane’s Crazy Salt, produced in New Jersey has been a top seller since 1980 and can be seen at almost every supermarket throughout Japan. Sensible Foods’ dried fruits and Tea Room brand organic chocolates, both from California, have become popular among young consumers thanks in large part to a positive perception created by Japan Green Tea’s innovative social media marketing. The company remains a tireless advocate for value-added U.S. agricultural products.

Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo

Since obtaining his PhD from the Iowa State University in Economics in 1982, Dr. Honma has taught Agricultural Economics and Development Economics at various universities in Japan, including the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo (2003-2017). Dr. Honma is the foremost expert in agricultural policy in Japan and has served as an expert member of the agriculture working group of Japan’s Regulatory Reform Council. He is currently a professor at Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka.

Vice President and representative Director of NH Foods Ltd., who accepted the award for Mr. Junichi Suezawa, President of NH Foods Ltd. (Nippon Ham)

Nippon Ham Foods, Ltd. is the main company of Nippon Ham Group, the largest sausage and processed meat manufacturer in Japan. Nippon Ham is far and away the largest Japanese customer for U.S. meat and is largely responsible for making Japan the leading export market for U.S. livestock products. In 2017, the company developed and released their own U.S. beef brand, Angus Valley, to promote high quality U.S. beef. In 2015, Mr. Suezawa assumed the position of President and Representative Director (President and CEO) of Nippon Ham Foods, Ltd.

Executive Officer of Meidi-ya Co., Ltd., who accepted the award for
Mr. Motoichi Yonei, Executive Chairman of Meidi-ya

Meidi-ya was established as a ship chandler in 1885 handling both domestic and imported food. The company opened its first retail store selling imported food in Roppongi in 1959. Nowadays, Meidi-ya imports and markets quality food products such as jam, pasta, beverages, syrup, canned fruits and meats, honey, and confectionaries under the “MY” brand for the high-end Japanese market. Meidi-ya is especially well-known for selling quality American food and beverages including the Buffalo Trace and Ragu brands. Mr. Yonei also serves as chairman of the Import Wine and Sprit Association representing U.S. wine and spirits imports in Japan.