[June is Environment Month] About Half of Yuzu Juice Output Remains as Residue in Kochi Prefecture. Sokamokka Creates Cosmetic Value from Yuzu Through Upcycling.

Kinaari Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Ritsushi Yamamoto), which operates the natural cosmetic brand 'Sokamokka,' celebrating its 25th anniversary, introduces its upcycling initiative utilizing unused resources from Kochi Prefecture's yuzu, in line with Environment Month promoted by the Ministry of the Environment in June. In Kochi Prefecture, Japan's leading yuzu-producing region, approximately half of the juice yield remains as residue after yuzu harvesting, and much of it is processed without being utilized. Sokamokka has focused on this unused resource and succeeded in developing its proprietary cosmetic ingredient, 'Yuzu Peel Extract*1'. Through this initiative, we will communicate the potential for effective utilization of unused resources and regional resource circulation from the beauty domain. Young yuzu trees from the Nakayama district of Kochi Prefecture ■ Challenges in Kochi Prefecture's Yuzu Industry Since its brand launch in 2001, Sokamokka has continued to create products that leverage the power of plants, guided by the philosophy of 'Together with Plants.' Yuzu from Kochi Prefecture is one of the key ingredients symbolizing the brand. During the peak yuzu harvest season, we have supported harvesting and engaged in exchanges with producers and processing plants. Through this, we have identified the issue of unused resources in the yuzu industry. While yuzu juice and peel are widely used, the inner peel and seeds are mostly not effectively utilized and become residue after juicing. Interviews with producers reveal that about half of the harvested yuzu becomes unused resources. In processing plants in the Nakayama district of Kochi Prefecture, approximately 200 to 250 tons of residue are generated annually, most of which is discarded. Juicing of harvested yuzu Residue generated after yuzu juicing ■ Turning Yuzu Residue, Destined for Disposal, into Cosmetic Ingredients In the fall of 2021, while visiting a processing plant in Kochi Prefecture to support harvesting, we saw piles of yuzu residue after juicing. This sight sparked the idea, 'Can't we make better use of this leftover fruit?' This led to the start of our upcycling initiative, followed by extensive research and development. As a result, in 2024, we succeeded in developing Sokamokka's proprietary ingredient, 'Yuzu Peel Extract*1,' extracted from yuzu residue that would otherwise be discarded. Sokamokka is committed to resource-circulating manufacturing and creating new value in the beauty domain through the utilization of unused resources, including yuzu from Kochi Prefecture. Sokamokka's Proprietary Ingredient [Yuzu Peel Extract*1] Upcycling Mechanism ■ 'Yuzu' Destined for the Trash Can Changes the Future of Beautiful Skin To further advance this initiative into the realm of beauty science, Sokamokka has commenced joint research with the Laboratory of Food and Beauty Science, Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Kanagawa University (Professor: Yuichi Notake) starting April 2026 (*2). This research aims to scientifically elucidate the functionality by examining the effects of yuzu residue-derived components on skin cells, exploring the potential for new cosmetic value derived from unused resources. ■ Manufacturing That Leverages Regional Resources with Japan's Unique View of Nature 'J-Beauty,' which has gained global attention in recent years, embodies a value of manufacturing that fuses Japan's unique culture of cherishing regional natural materials with excellent scientific technology. Sokamokka, which has utilized the power of plants to nurture beauty in its products since its founding in 2001, is embarking on a new yuzu upcycling project in Kochi Prefecture. This project aims to make full use of nature's blessings, foster value together with producers, and connect to the future. By discovering new potential in unused resources and linking them to regional resource circulation, we will continue to challenge ourselves with sustainable manufacturing. ■ Interview Article Unraveling 'Yuzu Circulation' Through Kochi's Yuzu Production Sites is Now Available Left: Mr. Nishio from JA Kochi Agricultural Cooperative Nakayama Yuzu Processing Plant Right: Ritsushi Yamamoto, President of Kinaari Co., Ltd. Yuzu from Kochi Prefecture is indispensable to Sokamokka's products. Behind this lies the challenge of the production area, where a portion of the residue generated after juicing is discarded without being utilized. Sokamokka has published a special interview article, 'The Story of 'Life' and 'Circulation' Woven by Kochi Yuzu Farmers and Processing Plants,' featuring interviews with yuzu farmers and processing plants in the Nakayama district of Aki City, Kochi Prefecture. This article unravels the initiatives surrounding 'yuzu' through the efforts of producers supporting yuzu cultivation and the ingenuity of the factories. [Click here for article details] URL: https://www.sokamocka.com/user_data/column/2512yuzufarm_interview/ ■ Bringing the Blessings of Kochi's Yuzu to Daily Life Sokamokka offers a skincare line for 'pore and firmness care*3' that incorporates its proprietary ingredient, 'Yuzu Peel Extract*1,' which effectively utilizes residue from Kochi yuzu. Through daily skincare, we provide the rich blessings of yuzu. As part of its circular manufacturing efforts, Sokamokka plans to further expand the potential of its proprietary ingredient 'Yuzu Peel Extract*1' and sequentially release new products. We will continue to aim for a future where nature and people coexist beautifully through the creation of valuable products that leverage the power of plants. Left: Sokamokka Whip Foam Right: Sokamokka Essence Lotion *1 Moisturizing ingredient *2 For details, please refer to the press release distributed in May 2026: '[Kinaari Co., Ltd.] Commences Research on the Skin Efficacy of 'Yuzu Residue' with Kanagawa University.' *3 Excluding 'Makeup Remover Oil N' and 'Facial Soap'. We can accommodate the following media inquiries and shooting requests. (Content may be adjusted depending on the season) Scenes of yuzu harvesting and juice extraction at processing plants in the Nakayama district of Kochi Prefecture Piles of yuzu residue generated after juice extraction at a processing plant in Kochi Prefecture Proprietary ingredient 'Yuzu Peel Extract' Comments from Professor Yuichi Notake of Kanagawa University regarding the joint research Interviews with Kinaari Co., Ltd. (President: Yamamoto) and producers Loan/provision of products and product images, etc. For details, please contact the public relations contact below. Sokamokka was born in 2001 with the concept of 'Plant-Derived Ingredients,' 'Additive-Free Considering Skin Gentleness,' and '100% Natural Fragrance.' It is a natural cosmetic brand that utilizes the power of vibrant plants such as 'grass,' 'flowers,' 'trees,' and 'fruits,' which have adapted to the harsh environments of grand nature, offering functionality and gentleness to the skin, with a focus on materials. [Company Profile] Company Name: Kinaari Co., Ltd. Location: 2-2-24 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Representative: Ritsushi Yamamoto, President and Representative Director Capital: 10 million yen Business Description: Planning, development, and sales of cosmetics URL: www.sokamocka.com