“Essentially” updating all Japanese food products. We will continue to pursue the essential value provided by Made in Japan food products.
JP FUNCTIONS is committed to revitalizing the Japanese food industry by focusing on the 'essential' value of products, combining emotional appeal with functional health benefits. The company has launched its first product, 'Hale' chia seed jelly, and is actively developing further innovations to bring high-quality, essential Japanese food value to the global market.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 13:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 08:05
Our company supports "April Dream," an initiative that aims to make April 1st a day for sharing dreams. This press release represents the dream of JP FUNCTIONS Co., Ltd.
There was a time when "Made in Japan" was a global brand, and Japan's manufacturing industry, including automobiles and home appliances, was at its peak. However, in the modern era, Japan's competitiveness is noticeably declining. For example, looking at the most recent data on highly cited research papers (top 10% adjusted papers), Japan has fallen to 13th in the world, and its international ranking in research capability is on a downward trend. Furthermore, in the 2024 fiscal year, Japan's nominal GDP per capita (in USD) dropped to 24th out of the 38 OECD member countries, marking a new record low from the previous year's 22nd place.
Apart from cultural Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura, and Ramen, there is an increase in food-tech initiatives within Japanese processed foods, partly due to the influence of the SDGs.
On the other hand, while things like "XX Food" may be trendy and newsworthy, they often fail to reach the "essential" value for consumers. This is because the conceptual value within the consumer's value structure lacks emotional value, such as "deliciousness," or functional value, such as "being good for the body" or "health." JP FUNCTIONS Co., Ltd. pursues the "essential" value of Japanese food products that possess both emotional and functional value.
1st Project: JAPAN INNER BEAUTY "Hale" Chia Seed Stick Jelly
Amidst the market entry of imports from various Asian countries, this product will be launched in 2025 as an inner beauty support jelly originating from Japan. It will be sold in many retail formats nationwide, including PLAZA and Sugi Pharmacy, and will be available at LAWSON and @cosme store starting April 2026.
Concept: "Feeling refreshed (Hale) the next morning"
Utilizing the health and beauty food development and planning expertise we have cultivated, we have combined a newly developed, satisfying texture and chia seed jelly with beauty ingredients popular among women and nutrients that are often lacking.
(Product recommended by the Japan Superfood Association)
[About Hale Chia Seed Stick Jelly]
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000171603.html
Development of 2nd and 3rd new products with new value is also underway
As of April 1, 2026, with the addition of three new team members and four support staff, JP FUNCTIONS Co., Ltd. continues to pursue the essential value of unprecedented, new Japanese food products for our 2nd and 3rd projects.
Until the day our "Made in Japan" products are happily accepted by people not only in Japan but all over the world.
We are committed to the word "essential" and will continue to provide value that carries the pride of Japan.