Saga Launches Food‑Loss Project, Women's Expo, and “Kingdom” Events

Saga Prefecture held a press conference on January 23 to introduce several upcoming initiatives and promotional events.

Saga Develops New Furikake as Part of Food‑Loss Reduction Efforts

Since 2022, Saga Prefecture has been working to reduce food loss through measures such as supporting food banks and distribution centers. As a new step, the prefecture will begin turning nonconforming agricultural products—items that are safe to eat but unsuitable for sale—into high‑value commercial goods.

As part of this initiative, the prefecture has developed a new furikake, a dry seasoning typically sprinkled on rice. The product comes in three flavors and uses a variety of local ingredients, including onions, lotus root, tea, miso, nori, and salt.

Saga will distribute the furikake to 17 elementary schools and collect feedback from students. Based on their opinions, the prefecture plans to refine the product and move forward with commercialization. Governor Yamaguchi said he hopes the project will encourage children to appreciate Saga's local foods and think about the issue of food loss.

Women's Expo 2026 to Be Held in Saga

Saga Prefecture also announced that it will host Women's Expo 2026, an event focused on promoting women's participation in the workforce. First launched in 2014, the expo has previously been held only in major urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka. This will be the first time the event takes place in a non‑urban prefecture.

The expo will feature seminars led by prominent female leaders, as well as hands‑on sessions related to yoga, beauty, and wellness. Saga officials expressed strong enthusiasm for creating a unique expo that showcases the prefecture's strengths.

“Kingdom” Collaboration Events Begin January 20

Starting January 20, Saga Prefecture will launch a series of promotional events in collaboration with“Kingdom", the popular manga set in China's Warring States period. The manga's author is from Saga Prefecture.

During the campaign, Saga International Airport will host an exhibition of reproduced original artwork, and the airport will temporarily adopt the name“Saga Kingdom Airport". In addition, large‑scale “Kingdom” artwork will be displayed on the embankment at Higata Yoka Park, where visitors can read the manga up to volume 77. Collaborative merchandise will also be available at Furuyu Hot Spring.