Perfect for Summer Vacation! Marukome Co., Ltd. Holds "Miso Research Contest" for Elementary School Students Nationwide.

Marukome Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Nagano City, President and CEO: Tokio Aoki) will hold its "Miso Research Contest" for summer vacation homework, focusing on miso and miso soup, for the fifth time this year. (Application Period: September 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026; Results Announcement: Scheduled for January 2027).

Purpose of the Contest

As part of our initiative to pass on Japan's proud fermented food culture to the next generation, we hold workshops where children can learn about the differences in taste, color, and aroma of miso through tasting. Our "Miso Making Kit" is also utilized for summer vacation homework and food education classes. While Japan's fermented foods are gaining global attention, few households make miso, a staple of Japanese cuisine, from scratch. Children often lack opportunities to experience the process of making fermented foods. Many people are unaware of the ingredients and methods used to produce miso. Therefore, by holding the "Miso Research Contest" with "Miso" and "Miso Soup" as themes for elementary school students nationwide, we aim to provide a place for children to gain insights and make discoveries. Winners of the Grand Prize and Excellence Award will be invited to Marukome's head office factory.

Product Overview

Miso Making Kit

Yield: Approx. 1.5kg (approx. 90 servings of miso soup) *When 1 serving is prepared with 16g

Fermentation Period: Approx. 1 month (when fermented at 25-30°C in a place not exposed to direct sunlight)

Best Before: 6 months from manufacture *Please start making miso within the best before period.

Reference Price: 3,020 yen (tax included, shipping separate for mail order)

Sales Channels: Supermarkets, home improvement stores nationwide, etc.

Marukome Online Shopping Site

http://www.marukome-shop.jp/shop/c/c1030/

Application Guidelines

■ Application Period

September 1, 2026 (Tuesday) - October 31, 2026 (Saturday) Postmark accepted

■ Award Categories

Grand Prize: 1 winner (Certificate of Merit, 10,000 yen gift certificate, factory tour invitation*)

Excellence Award: 5 winners (Certificate of Merit, Marukome product assortment, factory tour invitation*)

Honorable Mention: 20 winners (Certificate of Merit, Marukome product assortment)

*Transportation costs (round trip between a Hokuriku Shinkansen station and Nagano Station) will be covered by our company for the winner and one accompanying person. The factory tour is scheduled to take place during the spring break period in late March 2027.

■ Eligibility

Elementary school students who have conducted research on miso.

Participation is possible even without using the Miso Making Kit or attending a fermentation workshop.

■ How to Apply

Please apply by drawing pictures or attaching photos based on one of the following themes:

1. What you noticed and discovered while making miso by hand.
2. What kind of miso soup or dishes you enjoyed with homemade miso.
3. Free Topic: Choose your own theme about miso.

Format is not restricted (drawings, photos, text, etc.).

Please fill in your name, grade, address, phone number, guardian's name, research title, and research presentation, and mail your application.

[Mailing Address]

No. 38, Private Mailbox, Yoyogi Post Office, Japan Post Co., Ltd., 151-8691, Miso Research Contest Campaign Secretariat

■ Winner Announcement

Winners will be contacted by our company. Announcement is scheduled for mid-January 2027, but may be subject to change due to various circumstances. Winning entries may be posted on the Marukome website, etc. We cannot confirm receipt of applications. Thank you for your understanding.

■ Notes

- Submitted works will be returned after the judging is completed.

- The applicant's residence and the delivery address for prizes are limited to Japan.

- Applications with incomplete information will be considered invalid.

- Prizes that cannot be delivered due to reasons such as inability to contact the winner will be invalidated.

■ Handling of Personal Information

Personal information included in submitted works will be used solely for prize shipment and contest-related communications. It will not be disclosed to third parties other than our business contractors. For other details on the handling of personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

■ Contact Information

Miso Research Contest Office

Phone Number: 0120-222-167 (Toll-free)

Reception Hours: Weekdays 10:00 - 17:00 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays)

Operating Period: August 3, 2026 (Monday) - March 31, 2027 (Wednesday)

Past Winning Entries

"Miso Research" by Takuto Shindo & Yuuto Shindo

"Research on Miso and Bread" by Ayuki Toyama

"Investigating Delicious Miso" by Ido Kamitake

"Miso Making and Miso Research" by Minami Minamino & Ayaka Minamino