Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
Regenerative Society Through Slow Food and Innovation: The Future Connected by Food Culture, Living, and Technology Agenda 2025 Co-Creation Program
Shape New World Initiative
How do food, agriculture, and our daily lives impact the planet and society? In this session, we will explore the idea of a circular society—one that improves the environment—by rethinking past and present production and consumption through the lenses of grassroots movements and innovation. Together, we will consider concrete action plans for creating a more sustainable future by bridging local efforts and technological advances.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Smart agriculture/forestry/fisheries industry
- Food tech
- Ethical consumption
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Agenda2025
Co-created Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.06.14[Sat]
10:30 ～ 12:30
(Venue Open 10:00)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
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The term “sustainability” has long gained public recognition, yet voices are rising that sustainability alone is not enough to solve today’s pressing environmental issues. To achieve a truly circular society, we must reconnect the previously divided realms of production and consumption and actively improve our relationship with the Earth. In this session, we welcome speakers from grassroots movements and the innovation sector to explore how nature-based farming practices contribute to sustainable food systems and revitalized local economies. We will also discuss how technology can support the transition to a circular society, address challenges faced by producers, and emphasize the importance of consumer behavior change. By highlighting domestic and international initiatives in regenerative agriculture, fisheries, and food loss reduction, we aim to reflect on the future of food from both the perspectives of innovation and grassroots action.
Reports
【Reflection】
This program, titled "Regenerative Society Through Slow Food and Innovation," fostered a dialogue that reconnected diverse fields such as culture, nature, and technology. A central question explored by all speakers was how to integrate the ethical values embedded in slow food—“good, clean, and fair”—with the transformative potential of innovation, in order to realize a regenerative, circular society for the future.
One particularly powerful theme that emerged was the shared recognition among speakers from different sectors that “relationships of trust between people form the true foundation of circularity.” It was widely acknowledged that neither technology nor policy alone can bring about societal change; instead, mutual understanding, empathy, and dialogue are essential. This perspective was deeply grounded in the speakers’ diverse on-the-ground experiences—from agriculture and indigenous knowledge to entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems.
A key topic of discussion was how to reconnect the fragmented realms of production and consumption, urban and rural, technology and culture. The speakers emphasized the importance of inclusive structures where everyone—regardless of their background—can participate as active agents in shaping a circular society. In this context, the concept of "translation" became central—not merely linguistic translation, but the adaptation of knowledge and information to specific cultural and social contexts, ensuring messages are communicated in ways that truly resonate.
Rather than treating circular society as a purely systematic solution, this dialogue illuminated the need to redesign human relationships themselves. The process of sharing field-based wisdom and co-creating a common language for discussion served as a major step toward building long-term networks catalyzed by the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Through this program, a shared commitment emerged among speakers and organizers to maintain cross-sector and cross-cultural collaboration beyond the Expo, with a clear goal: to put regenerative society into practice. Participants deepened their understanding that realizing a circular society requires more than advancing isolated efforts in each specialized field—it demands reconnecting knowledge, culture, and technology in a holistic and transdisciplinary manner.
One concrete initiative under consideration involves uncovering and re-presenting the stories behind local food cultures and production practices. These efforts aim to go beyond simply conveying information, instead leveraging storytelling and multimedia tools to foster emotional and cultural connections between producers and consumers. This is expected to help rebuild relationships between urban consumers and rural producers, offering a renewed sense of shared responsibility.
Another key area is the adaptation of technology through localized translation—not just linguistically, but also in terms of daily life, customs, and values. The speakers expressed interest in launching joint research and pilot projects to test and refine these approaches. Such efforts are essential to overcome barriers that often accompany cross-cultural technology transfers and to bring global solutions into alignment with local realities.
Additionally, the formation of a collaborative network spanning diverse fields—such as food, agriculture, technology, and education—is already underway. This network is not just about partnerships in name, but about redefining the very nature of “who collaborates with whom, and how.” These evolving relationships are expected to create new spaces for continuous dialogue and co-creation.
Youth engagement was also positioned as a central pillar of future efforts. The speakers emphasized the importance of fostering the next generation of changemakers through participatory education that bridges urban and rural communities, producers and consumers, young and old. Education, they agreed, is not only a means to transmit knowledge, but a way to cultivate a deep sense of connection to society.
In this way, the dialogue initiated at the Expo is already leading to a series of practical actions across Japan and internationally. These efforts are expected to continue expanding and deepening, rebuilding relationships between people, regions, and the world—going beyond sustainability and toward true regeneration.
*Part or all of this report was generated by AI.
Cast
Moderator
Kanaho Takahashi
Global Shapers Community Kyoto Hub
Kanaho had an interest in food issues as a child, which led to involvement in the Slow Food movement during university. She organized a food loss awareness project or supported the Japanese delegation at international Slow Food conferences. Currently based in the Kansai region, she engages in startup support. Passionate about creating a better society through both grassroots efforts and innovation, bridging community-based action with forward-thinking solutions.
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Speakers
Megumi Watanabe
President, Slow Food Nippon Slow Food Foundation Member, Board of Directors
Megumi has been engaged as a Representative Director at Slow Food Nippon since 2019. She earned her master's degree at the University of Gastronomic Sciences, which the Slow Food Association founded.
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Lee Ayu Chuepa
Akha Ama Coffee
Lee Ayu Chuepa, founder of Aka Ama Coffee in Chiang Mai, Thailand, grew up in the Akha indigenous community. Witnessing the struggles of local farmers, he launched Aka Ama in 2010 to create sustainable change. The company specializes in high-quality, single-origin coffee, working directly with farmers to ensure fair trade and empower the community.
By blending traditional Akha farming techniques with modern methods, Lee has transformed his village into a recognized hub for specialty coffee, earning international accolades. His work champions sustainability, cultural preservation, and ethical business, making Aka Ama a model for impactful social enterprise.
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Asa Quesenberry
Co-founder, Wavestock Inc
Asa Quesenberry is the co-founder of Wavestock, where he leads initiatives to connect everyday investors with regenerative aquaculture projects around the world. With over a decade of experience working with startups across the U.S. and Asia, Asa has shifted his focus to sustainable food systems. At Wavestock, he is working to make it easier for individuals to invest in and support local seafood production and the coastal communities that depend on it. His mission is to bridge the gap between investors and impact-driven aquaculture ventures that promote ocean health, food security, and resilient coastal economies.
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Bryce Kuhn
Founder & CEO, Kuhn Sustainability Solutions LLC
Bryce Kuhn is the Founder & CEO of Kuhn Sustainability Solutions, specializing in regenerative food systems, aquaculture innovation, and climate-adaptive business development. With over 10 years of experience, Bryce has worked with leading companies in vertical farming, seaweed cultivation, and climate tech across North and Central America.
He has led regulatory strategy for major projects including a $500,000 U.S. government–funded seaweed biostimulant research initiative involving Cornell and Washington State Universities, as well as farmer-driven innovation efforts in Belize. His expertise spans regulatory strategy, product development, capital planning, and market expansion.
A frequent collaborator with startups, universities, and nonprofits, he focuses on scaling sustainable technologies and connecting traditional producers with emerging innovations. Bryce is a sought-after speaker on the future of food systems and presented at NYC Climate Week 2024.
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Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
Regenerative Society Through Slow Food and Innovation: The Future Connected by Food Culture, Living, and Technology Agenda 2025 Co-Creation Program
How do food, agriculture, and our daily lives impact the planet and society? In this session, we will explore the idea of a circular society—one that improves the environment—by rethinking past and present production and consumption through the lenses of grassroots movements and innovation. Together, we will consider concrete action plans for creating a more sustainable future by bridging local efforts and technological advances.
-
2025.06.14[Sat]
10:30～12:30
(Venue Open 10:00)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
