UMAMO × Japanese Cuisine × Awamori Dinner. World's First! A One-Night-Only Special Promotion Event to Encounter the New Ingredient "UMAMO" Born from Awamori Lees

Novotel Okinawa Naha (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture; General Manager Kotoshi Sakamoto) and AlgaleX Inc. (Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture; Representative Director Daichi Takada) held a promotion dinner featuring Japanese cuisine and awamori using "UMAMO," the world's first new ingredient, at the hotel's Japanese and Teppanyaki restaurant "Toki" on Friday, May 1, 2026.

"UMAMO" is a new ingredient created by elevating "awamori lees," a byproduct generated during the production of awamori, Okinawa's traditional liquor passed down since the Ryukyu Kingdom era, using proprietary AI fermentation control technology. AlgaleX Inc. has found new value in awamori lees, which had not been fully utilized until now, and developed a future food by combining Okinawa's traditional industry with cutting-edge technology. The evening allowed participants to experience its potential.

Japanese Chef Tamaki: All dishes use "UMAMO"

Dishes and Pairings

On the day of the event, under the guidance of Ms. Senka Maedomari, the 37th Awamori Queen and Awamori Meister, AlgaleX Inc. Vice President Hidaka spoke about the hidden charm of awamori lees, its current status as an unused resource, the possibilities of a new food culture envisioned by "UMAMO," the challenge of a new fish-eating culture not dependent on natural fish, and the vision of connecting Okinawa's regional resources to the future. Local media, influencers, and food-related businesses listened intently.

Novotel Okinawa Naha was in charge of the cocktails that paired with the "UMAMO" dishes. The menu was devised by Japanese Chef Tamaki, under the supervision of Executive Chef Maekawa, a Ryukyu cuisine truyền thừa and French chef. The course began with appetizers served in vermilion vessels inspired by the traditional "Tundabun" motif used in Ryukyu Kingdom court cuisine, followed by tempura enjoyed with UMAMO and Chomeiso salt, and low-temperature cooked Ryuga beef, an homage to Minudaru. Through pairings that combined unique awamori cocktails with a course interwoven with Ryukyu-Okinawan ingredients and culture, the event expressed the traditional techniques of Ryukyu and Okinawa with a modern perspective.

This was a "one-of-a-kind dining experience" where historical food culture and fermentation technology intersect on a single plate, allowing each participant to contemplate the future of food in Okinawa for one special night.

AlgaleX Inc. and Novotel Okinawa Naha will continue to deepen collaboration with local businesses and producers, promoting the charm of Okinawa's cultivated food culture and regional resources both domestically and internationally. At the same time, they will strive to create a sustainable food future through challenges that connect tradition with new value.

From left: Ms. Maedomari, 37th Awamori Queen and Awamori Meister; Executive Chef Maekawa, Novotel Okinawa Naha; Vice President Hidaka, AlgaleX Inc.; Mr. Yagisawa; Mr. Kato.

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UMAMO×TOKI Promotion Dinner

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026, 19:00-21:00

Venue: Novotel Okinawa Naha, Japanese and Teppanyaki "Toki"

Content: Five Japanese dishes using UMAMO and a pairing of three awamori cocktails

Cooperation: "Ryuga Beef" provided by Ganaha Meat

Awamori Lees (Kashijee) provided by Miyazato Shuzo

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AlgaleX Inc. | https://umamo.jp/pages/about-algalex
AlgaleX Inc. is an Okinawa-based food tech startup founded in 2021. Through proprietary AI fermentation control technology and engineering technology, they produce high-value-added raw materials containing DHA and umami components from untapped resources, including awamori lees.

◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/umamo_official/

Contact for UMAMO inquiries here

About Novotel Okinawa | https://novotelokinawanaha.jp/

Novotel Okinawa Naha opened in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture in 2018 as the flagship hotel brand of Accor, a global hotel chain based in France. It features an infinity pool exclusively for guests, a fitness gym, and a premier lounge on the top floor with 360-degree panoramic views from a hilltop. The food and beverage facilities include a cafe lounge gourmet bar, Japanese and Teppanyaki Toki, Food Exchange "Avance," and BBQ Terrace (seasonal) – four locations. The concept is "Easy Living."