Fundamentally Updating All Japanese Foods. Continuously Pursuing the Essential Value Proposition of Made in Japan Foods.

Our company supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to express dreams. This press release is a dream of 'JP FUNCTIONS Co., Ltd.'

Once, "Made in Japan" was a globally recognized brand, and there was a time when Japanese manufacturing, including cars and white goods, flourished. However, in modern times, Japan's competitiveness is notably declining. For example, recent data on highly cited research papers (Top 10% corrected papers) shows Japan ranking 13th globally, indicating a downward trend in research capabilities. Furthermore, Japan's nominal GDP per capita (dollar conversion) for fiscal year 2024 has fallen to 24th among 38 OECD member countries, marking a new record low from 22nd in the previous year.
Aside from cultural Japanese foods like Sushi, Tempura, and Ramen, there's an increasing focus on food tech initiatives in Japanese processed foods, driven by the context of SDGs.
On the other hand, while certain "XX foods" are newsworthy trends, they haven't reached the "essential" value for consumers. This is because the conceptual value in consumers' value structure lacks emotional value like "deliciousness" or functional value like "good for the body, healthy." JP FUNCTIONS Co., Ltd. will pursue the "essential" value of Japanese foods that possess both emotional and functional value.

## First Release: JAPAN INNER BEAUTY "Hale" Chia Seed Stick Jelly

Amidst the market entry of imported products from various Asian countries, this Japan-originated inner beauty support jelly will be launched starting in 2025. It will be available at many retail formats nationwide, including PLAZA and Sugi Pharmacy, and will also be released at LAWSON and @cosme store from April 2026.

Concept: "Refreshing (Hale) the next morning"

Utilizing the health and beauty food development and planning know-how cultivated by our company, this newly developed jelly features a satisfying texture with chia seeds, combined with beauty ingredients popular among women and essential nutrients that tend to be lacking.

(Recommended product by the Japan Superfood Association)

[About Hale Chia Seed Stick Jelly]
https://hale-innerbeauty.com/
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000171603.html

## Development of Second and Third New Products with New Value Also Underway

As of April 1, 2026, with the addition of three new colleagues and four support staff, JP FUNCTIONS Co., Ltd. continues to pursue unprecedented and essential value propositions for Japanese foods with its second and third product lines.

Until our Made in Japan products are joyfully accepted not only in Japan but also by people around the world.

We are committed to the word "essential" and will continue to provide value that embodies Japanese pride.