【April Dream】We will solve global challenges in 'food' and 'health' with 'steamed soybeans' for the future!

Our company supports April Dream, a project to share dreams on April 1st. This press release is the dream of Maruyanagi Oguraya Co., Ltd. Maruyanagi Oguraya Co., Ltd. (Kobe City, Higashinada Ward, President: Yuji Yanagimoto), a manufacturer of steamed beans, simmered beans, and tsukudani, aims to solve global challenges in 'food' and 'health' through 'steamed soybeans,' which provide dietary fiber and protein and are environmentally friendly. The Maruyanagi 'Delicious Steamed Beans' series (steamed soybeans, steamed black beans, steamed salad beans), which celebrated its 22nd anniversary, surpassed a cumulative sales of 300 million servings on March 30th, steadily advancing towards its goal. We believe that delicious, convenient, and earth-friendly 'steamed soybeans' are ingredients that can save the future of people and the planet. ■ Steamed soybeans are "nutrients all in one!" Top-class nutritional value among soy products Steamed soybeans are characterized by their natural deliciousness and nutrition. Steaming not only locks in the "deliciousness" and "umami" of the soybeans themselves but also allows you to consume all the nutrients, such as "protein" and "dietary fiber," that soybeans possess. Their nutritional value is top-class compared to other soy products. ■ Steamed soybeans have "double dietary fiber" - both insoluble and soluble! According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Reiwa 6 (2024), the average daily intake of dietary fiber for Japanese people is around 18g, falling short of the target for both men and women. In recent years, due to the diversification of diets, consumption of grains and beans has decreased, leading to a year-on-year decline in dietary fiber intake. Therefore, "steamed soybeans" are perfect for supplementing the often-lacking dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is broadly categorized into "insoluble dietary fiber" and "soluble dietary fiber," and steamed soybeans are characterized by containing both in a balanced manner. Compared to foods known for high fiber content like burdock root and sweet potatoes, the difference is significant. Moreover, they can be eaten as they are and are easy to use in cooking, allowing busy modern individuals to incorporate them into their daily diet without hassle. Elderly individuals tend to eat less and are more prone to constipation. Reduced food intake also often leads to protein deficiency, which can cause muscle weakening and affect motor and cognitive functions, leading to revisions in dietary guidelines worldwide. The Japanese Dietary Intake Standards (2025 edition) now include quantities aimed at preventing the severe progression of lifestyle-related diseases and frailty. Steamed soybeans allow for the simultaneous intake of "dietary fiber" and "protein," which are often deficient. Furthermore, because they are steamed, they are soft and easy for the elderly to eat. Steamed soybeans have the potential to solve various health challenges faced by the elderly. Steamed soybeans contribute to solving the modern global challenge of "protein crisis" In recent years, a challenge known as the "protein crisis" has gained global attention. It is predicted that around 2030, global protein demand will exceed supply due to population growth, potentially leading to a shortage of traditional protein sources like meat, fish, and eggs. In this context, steamed soybeans are expected to be a sustainable protein source. Soybeans require about 1/8 the amount of water and emit about 1/85 the amount of greenhouse gases compared to beef, making them a food with a very low environmental impact. Additionally, while it takes 2-3 years to raise cattle, soybeans can be harvested in about 4 months from sowing, ensuring a stable supply. Thus, steamed soybeans are a crucial option to support future diets, realizing both reduced environmental impact and stable protein supply. Expanding the use of steamed soybeans is believed to contribute to achieving the SDGs. ■ The "Delicious Steamed Beans" series has obtained 99% AskDoctors certification. Regarding the "Delicious Steamed Beans" series, as a result of an evaluation by AskDoctors in November 2025, 99% of 100 doctors expressed a willingness to recommend it, earning the "AskDoctors Doctor Verified Product" mark. **About the "AskDoctors" Mark** This mark is awarded by M3, Inc., which operates "m3.com," Japan's largest professional website for medical professionals with about 90% of Japanese doctors (over 280,000) registered. It is granted only when products and services meet certain standards, evaluated by registered doctors based on their daily clinical knowledge and experience. Information dissemination site: AskDoctors Research Institute https://askdoctorslab.jp/ ■ Delicious, healthy, and convenient! Steamed soybeans can be used for snacks and cooking. Maruyanagi's steamed soybeans, which hold the No.1 share in the steamed bean market‧, are characterized by their ease of use, being ready to eat without cooking, and their versatility in various dishes. Even on busy days, simply adding them to salads or soups can easily provide protein and dietary fiber. ‧Steamed bean manufacturer share: Based on KSP-POS nationwide Jan-Oct 2025 bean paste category data, surveyed by our company. Includes NB products, group company products, and PB products manufactured by our company. **** Various recipes that utilize the natural flavors of the ingredients are being shared on the "Steamed Bean Town" website, launched in February 2022, and on social media. The number of published recipes on Steamed Bean Town has reached 289, and access in 2025 has grown by 109% compared to 2024, allowing more people to enjoy steamed bean arrangement recipes. Furthermore, not only single recipes but also compilation articles are popular. In particular, "15 Easy Side Dish Recipes Using Steamed Soybeans That You Can Make Easily" is the most popular among recipe compilation articles. Maruyanagi Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maruyanagi_official/ Maruyanagi Official X: https://x.com/mushimame Maruyanagi Official LINE: https://page.line.me/767aiazm "Steamed Bean Town" Website: https://www.www.maruyanagi.co.jp/mushimame/ We will continue to communicate the appeal of steamed soybeans, which support the future of "food" and "health," through the web and social media. "April Dream" is a project by PR TIMES to share the dreams that companies hope to achieve someday on April 1st. We are seriously aiming to achieve this dream. **About Maruyanagi Oguraya Co., Ltd.** With the main theme "Passing on the wonders of traditional ingredients to the next generation," we are engaged in proposing new food ideas that utilize the health benefits and deliciousness of traditional ingredients such as konbu, beans, barley, and vegetables that we have handled for many years, and we want to pass them on to the next generation. **Company Profile** Company Name: Maruyanagi Oguraya Co., Ltd. Headquarters Location: 4-9-21 Mikage-tsukacho, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City President: Yuji Yanagimoto Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of steamed beans, tsukudani, and simmered beans Founded: December 26, 1951 HP: https://www.maruyanagi.co.jp/