[The Bears' School × Japan JC Domestic Ingredients Support Project] "Domestic Ingredients × Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe Contest" Now Open

The Japan Junior Chamber, Inc. (President: Daisho Kato, Location: VORT Hanzomon 7F, 2-12-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "Japan JC"), in collaboration with Charaken Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Hiroshi Kuroki, Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), is rolling out "The Bears' School × Japan JC Domestic Ingredients Support Project," which collaborates with the popular picture book series "The Bears' School." As part of this project, an idea recipe contest, "Domestic Ingredients × Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe Contest," is being held from April 1st (Wednesday) to May 12th (Tuesday) to further raise consumer awareness of domestic food ingredients. Wonderful prizes to enjoy domestic ingredients are prepared for outstanding entries (16 winners in total). We look forward to your applications.

### What is "The Bears' School × Japan JC Domestic Ingredients Support Project"?
Currently, Japan's food self-sufficiency rate remains low at about 40%, relying heavily on food imports from abroad. In the future, due to natural disasters or changes in global conditions, there may come a day when it becomes difficult to continue importing food. Japan JC is implementing various projects this year for parents and children as an opportunity for consumers to think about food security in their daily lives. As part of this, this project was launched in collaboration with "The Bears' School," a popular picture book series among children.

Choosing domestic ingredients, including rice, vegetables, meat, and fish, and supporting domestic producers, connects to protecting our "food" – by understanding "who, where, and how" the ingredients we usually eat are made. This project offers various initiatives to provide an opportunity for parents and children to think about ingredients together.

### Overview of "Domestic Ingredients × Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe Contest"
As an opportunity for consumers to become aware of domestic ingredients, a recipe contest is being held with the cooperation of Kagome Co., Ltd. (President: Harunobu Okutani, Head Office: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture). Participants are asked to use "Kagome Basic Tomato Sauce" and at least one "domestic ingredient" (any domestic ingredient like vegetables, rice, meat, fish, etc. is acceptable), and post a photo of their recipe dish on "The Bears' School Home Economics Club" submission page. Wonderful prizes will be given to those whose entries are selected as outstanding works (16 winners in total).

#### How to apply
Submissions are made on "The Bears' School Home Economics Club" (https://kumanogakkou-kateikabu.com/). Please check "The Bears' School Home Economics Club" website for details. *Advance membership registration to "The Bears' School Home Economics Club" is required to submit. *Multiple submissions per person are welcome.

#### Application period
April 1st (Wednesday), 2026 – May 12th (Tuesday), 2026, 23:59

#### Prizes
* **[Kagome Prize]**
* Enjoying domestic vegetables
* Summer chilled potage set
* 3 winners
* **[The Bears' School Prize]**
* The Bears' School Wooden Plate & Cutlery Set
* Special version
* 3 winners
* **[Japan JC Prize]**
* Specially cultivated rice
* 5kg Koshihikari from Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture
* 10 winners

#### Inquiries regarding the contest
The Bears' School Home Economics Club Management Office Email address: cs@charaken.com Please check here for contest details.

### About "The Bears' School"
"The Bears' School" is a picture book that depicts the warm daily lives of 11 gentle older bear siblings and Jackie, a mischievous and stubborn bear girl. With its simple and heartwarming stories, delicate, stylish, and colorful cuteness of the bear cubs, it is loved by a wide range of fans from children to adults.

2027 will be the 25th anniversary year of "The Bears' School."
"The Bears' School" Official Website: https://the-bears-school.com/ ©BANDAI
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