35 Years Later, Nationwide Survey on Okara Utilization Begins: Promoting Food Loss Reduction and Upcycling
The Japan Dried Okara Association has launched a nationwide survey on okara utilization, the first in 35 years, to address food loss and promote upcycling. This survey aims to accurately assess current conditions, reframe okara as a valuable resource, and support sustainability efforts in the food industry.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 00:40
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 16:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 02:29 (298h 29m after Collected)
The Japan Dried Okara Association (Chairman: Yuichi Tsukada) will conduct a nationwide survey on the actual utilization of 'okara,' a byproduct generated during the manufacturing process of tofu, soy milk, fried tofu, and freeze-dried tofu. Previously, surveys were conducted mainly through industry associations, but starting from 'Okara Day' on April 8th, the scope of the survey will be expanded and conducted broadly. Okara is estimated to be generated at approximately 700,000 tons annually in Japan, and this survey will be a large-scale assessment of its actual situation for the first time in about 35 years. Amidst growing interest in food loss reduction and resource circulation, the objective is to re-evaluate the value of 'okara' and promote its utilization.
● Survey Background
'Okara' is highly nutritious and inherently a useful food resource; however, there are many cases where it is not fully utilized. Currently, the data referenced by the industry is old, primarily based on surveys from around 1990, and may not fully reflect recent efforts to reduce food waste and advancements in recycling technologies.
In recent years, however, the utilization of 'okara' has been advancing in the exploratory learning of junior high, high school, and university students, as well as in the new business development of companies, increasing the need for accurate grasp of the actual situation.
● Survey Overview
Target: Nationwide tofu manufacturers and related companies/organizations
Main Survey Content: • Okara discharge volume, utilization methods (food, feed, fertilizer, etc.), underutilization status, disposal methods and costs, challenges (odor, storage, distribution, etc.)
Method and Response Deadline: Online response (QR code) / FAX / Hearing Response Deadline: April 30, 2026
● Execution System
Survey Body: Japan Dried Okara Association Execution: Tofu Project Japan Co., Ltd.
Cooperating Organizations (Planned): (General Incorporated Foundation) National Tofu Federation, Japan Tofu Association, Japan Soy Milk Association, National Freeze-Dried Tofu Industrial Cooperative Association, etc.
● Future Development
The results of this survey will be compiled into a report and are scheduled to be released to the industry, educational institutions, and companies.
Furthermore, we will promote initiatives to redefine "okara" not merely as a byproduct, but as a
"valuable resource (upcycled ingredient)".
● Comments (Japan Dried Okara Association)
"Okara, generated at approximately 700,000 tons annually, is a very important underutilized resource for Japan. Through this survey, we aim to accurately grasp the current situation and transition it from something "discarded" to a "usable resource."
Keywords: #OkaraDay, #OkaraPowder, #Okara, #OkaraUtilizationSurvey, #JapanDriedOkaraAssociation, #FoodUpcycling, #SDGs
● Survey Background
'Okara' is highly nutritious and inherently a useful food resource; however, there are many cases where it is not fully utilized. Currently, the data referenced by the industry is old, primarily based on surveys from around 1990, and may not fully reflect recent efforts to reduce food waste and advancements in recycling technologies.
In recent years, however, the utilization of 'okara' has been advancing in the exploratory learning of junior high, high school, and university students, as well as in the new business development of companies, increasing the need for accurate grasp of the actual situation.
● Survey Overview
Target: Nationwide tofu manufacturers and related companies/organizations
Main Survey Content: • Okara discharge volume, utilization methods (food, feed, fertilizer, etc.), underutilization status, disposal methods and costs, challenges (odor, storage, distribution, etc.)
Method and Response Deadline: Online response (QR code) / FAX / Hearing Response Deadline: April 30, 2026
● Execution System
Survey Body: Japan Dried Okara Association Execution: Tofu Project Japan Co., Ltd.
Cooperating Organizations (Planned): (General Incorporated Foundation) National Tofu Federation, Japan Tofu Association, Japan Soy Milk Association, National Freeze-Dried Tofu Industrial Cooperative Association, etc.
● Future Development
The results of this survey will be compiled into a report and are scheduled to be released to the industry, educational institutions, and companies.
Furthermore, we will promote initiatives to redefine "okara" not merely as a byproduct, but as a
"valuable resource (upcycled ingredient)".
● Comments (Japan Dried Okara Association)
"Okara, generated at approximately 700,000 tons annually, is a very important underutilized resource for Japan. Through this survey, we aim to accurately grasp the current situation and transition it from something "discarded" to a "usable resource."
Keywords: #OkaraDay, #OkaraPowder, #Okara, #OkaraUtilizationSurvey, #JapanDriedOkaraAssociation, #FoodUpcycling, #SDGs