【Event Report】CookDeli Hosts Launch Event for 'Kayu Plus Meat Miso,' Japan's First Certified Optimized Nutrition Food for Elderly Care Facilities

CookDeli Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Nishi-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Takeshi Washitani), a provider of fully cooked, safe, delicious frozen meal menus tailored for elderly care facilities, held a launch and tasting event on June 10, 2026 (Wed) at TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower for its new product 'Kayu Plus Meat Miso'—the first in the industry to receive certification from the Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food, a general incorporated association. The event featured guest speakers Dr. Yutaka Ito and Dr. Yoshiko Honda, leading figures in Japan’s preventive medicine and clinical nutrition fields, who delivered lectures on addressing malnutrition and frailty in Japan’s super-aging society and on innovative food solutions to alleviate severe staffing shortages in caregiving facilities. The event attracted numerous facility representatives and media outlets and was a great success. Below is a detailed report.

Event Highlights

The event featured expert presentations, product demonstrations by developers, and a tasting session.

[Part 1 & 2: Special Lectures]

Lecture 1: “Toward Realizing Well-Being Through Food”

Dr. Yutaka Ito, President, Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food (Professor Emeritus, Keio University; Special Professor, Keio University Preventive Medicine Center)

Dr. Yutaka Ito, President of the Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food

Dr. Ito, who introduced the concept of the “Metabolic Domino,” emphasized that modern food environments make it difficult for individuals to prepare or choose balanced meals. He stated that “optimized nutrition food”—scientifically formulated to contain precisely balanced amounts of 33 essential nutrients per meal based on caloric intake—is essential for creating a society where physical and mental well-being is fulfilled (i.e., achieving food-based well-being), particularly in addressing societal challenges such as obesity, malnutrition, frailty, and pre-disease conditions.

Lecture 2: “Frontline Nutritional Care Management for the Elderly”

Dr. Yoshiko Honda, Chair of the Standardization Committee, Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food (Professor Emeritus, Women’s Nutrition University; Honorary Member, Japanese Society of Clinical Nutrition)

Dr. Yoshiko Honda, Chair of the Standardization Committee, Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food

Dr. Honda highlighted the critical shift at age 75 from focusing on “metabolic syndrome and overnutrition” to prioritizing “malnutrition and frailty prevention.” She explained that adequate protein intake is essential for preventing frailty and cognitive decline, based on current research. However, for patients in the conservative phase of chronic kidney disease (CKD), protein restriction is often required, creating a clinical challenge. Dr. Honda noted that recent evidence now supports a more flexible, individualized approach—relaxing protein restrictions when frailty risk is present, even in cases of coexisting CKD, through comprehensive nutritional assessment.

[Part 3: Special Talk Session]

“Redefining the Concept of Rice Porridge: Behind the Development of Optimized Nutrition Food to Eliminate Frailty”

A talk session featuring Hideki Maeshima, Executive Director of the Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food, and CookDeli’s product development team. They shared insights into the challenges of creating a product that delivers ideal nutrition in a single serving, as well as the team’s commitment to reducing operational burdens in elderly care facilities.

[Part 4: New Product Presentation & Tasting]

Following the product presentation of the new 'Kayu Plus Meat Miso,' attendees enjoyed a tasting session featuring the product and creative recipe variations.

<Comments from Attendees>

“The flavor far exceeded my expectations. Many residents dislike plain porridge or have poor appetites, but this product seems like something they would actually enjoy eating.” (Care facility representative)

“I deeply respect the effort behind this development as a frozen food solution to societal food challenges. There may also be high demand for home-care applications.” (Journalist)

About the New Product 'Kayu Plus Meat Miso'

This product is the first in the elderly care facility category to receive certification as an “optimized nutrition food” recommended by the Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food. In caregiving facilities facing severe staffing shortages, it is often difficult to customize meal plans according to individual nutritional needs. To address this, CookDeli developed 'Kayu Plus Meat Miso' with the concept of “adding complete nutrition with just one topping.” It is scientifically balanced with 33 essential nutrients, enabling staff without specialized nutritional knowledge to significantly improve the nutritional quality of meals. This innovation supports both resident health maintenance and operational efficiency.

Event Overview

Date and Time: June 10, 2026 (Wed) 14:00–16:00

Venue: MY Shokudo Hall & Kitchen, 3F, TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower

Program:

1. Lecture: “Toward Realizing Well-Being Through Food” by Dr. Yutaka Ito, President, Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food

2. Lecture: “Frontline Nutritional Care Management for the Elderly” by Dr. Yoshiko Honda, Chair of the Standardization Committee, Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food

3. New Product Presentation and Tasting of 'Kayu Plus Meat Miso'

4. Special Talk Session: “Redefining the Concept of Rice Porridge: Behind the Development of Optimized Nutrition Food to Eliminate Frailty” with Hideki Maeshima, Executive Director, Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food × CookDeli Product Development Team

【About CookDeli】

CookDeli is a manufacturer of fully cooked frozen foods designed specifically for elderly care facilities, delivering approximately 220,000 meals daily to around 7,000 facilities nationwide.

Japan’s super-aging society has led to a growing number of elderly care facilities, yet these facilities face a critical shortage of staff. CookDeli addresses this challenge by providing fully prepared frozen meals, enabling facilities to serve high-quality meals with fewer personnel. By delivering safe, nutritious, and delicious meals, CookDeli aims to bring joy and smiles to residents and caregivers alike, shaping the future of elderly nutrition.

【Company Overview: CookDeli Co., Ltd.】

Corporate Name: CookDeli Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO, Takeshi Washitani

Address: 2F, Shiono Building, 1-6-17 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka City

Phone: 06-6536-2302

Founded: 2016

Business Activities:

Research and development of food products for frailty prevention

Planning, manufacturing, and sales of food products for the elderly

Website: https://www.cookdeli.com/

【Overview: Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food, General Incorporated Association】

Corporate Name: Japan Society of Optimized Nutrition Food, General Incorporated Association

Representative: President, Dr. Yutaka Ito

Address: 3-50-11 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Phone: 03-6434-5307

Founded: 2023

Business Activities: Promoting the widespread adoption of optimized nutrition food—meals scientifically balanced in essential nutrients based on individual factors such as age, gender, and lifestyle—with the goal of enhancing public well-being.

Website: https://www.saiteki-eiyo.org/