On a cold day when cold rain mixed with snowflakes, my breath turned white.
On December 22, 2025, "thoughts" and "food" from around the world gathered at the Asia Village of Kibi International University. The event held on this day was a distribution meeting of support food for international students from eight countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, China, and South Korea.
The central figure was Kenichi Narita, the chairman of the non-profit organization Japan Harvest.
Utilizing the network that Narita has built through his daily activities, he called for cooperation from participating countries in the Osaka-Kansai Expo, saying, "I want to deliver a moment of comfort through the taste of my homeland," and as a result, nine countries agreed.
Food ingredients from each country were delivered to the international students studying at Kibi International University.
Food ingredients from around the world gathered from participating countries in the Osaka-Kansai Expo
The yellow Hiace vehicle, Japan Harvest, loaded with food ingredients gathered from participating countries in the Osaka-Kansai Expo, arrived at Kibi International University.
Some of the food ingredients delivered on this day were for foreign students studying in Japan. For international students studying and living in a foreign land, familiar food and warm support serve as a source of comfort.
Scene of the venue
First, everyone unloads food from the "Japan Harvest" vehicle in front of the building.
Cardboard boxes and vegetables were lined up, and while using carts, everyone worked together, calling out to each other. In a friendly atmosphere, the food for the international students was being brought in.
International students at Kibi International University show smiles in front of the food ingredients delivered from around the world.
In front of boxes full of food ingredients, some international students peered in, asking, "What is this?" and "How do you use it?" Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they listened to explanations and picked things up, showing their keen interest.
Support that crosses borders created a warm exchange space.
There are various types of rice, canned goods, spices, nuts, and coffee. Just looking at them brings to mind the dining tables of different countries.
Indian rice that goes perfectly with curry
The long-grain "Indian rice" is often used by students from Sri Lanka and Nepal when making curry in their home countries. It is characterized by its pleasant aroma and fluffy texture when cooked, and while the spices differ by country, it pairs perfectly with curry that is rich in spices in any country.
Gathered around the table, the students share the rice.
Indian rice is very popular among international students, with voices expressing joy saying, "It tastes nostalgic."
Some students happily shared their memories of happy moments gathered around the dining table with family and friends back in their home country.
A little further away, Mr. Narita is watching with a smile. A warm atmosphere spreads throughout the venue.
From a large bag of rice, each person is taking turns to pack the rice, and their smiles and joyful expressions are impressive. Right nearby, students waiting for their turn to receive the rice are lined up, watching eagerly, wondering, "Is it our turn yet?"
About the Non-Profit Organization "Japan Harvest"
The organization that reached out to the participating countries of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and delivered the provided ingredients is the non-profit organization "Japan Harvest," which is engaged in food loss reduction and food assistance.
Mr. Kenichi Narita, who serves as the chairman of the organization, received the Director-General's Award for Consumption and Safety in the food access securing category at the first "Award Connecting Food and Agriculture" hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Notably, he was the only individual to receive an award.
Starting with support for children's cafeterias and child welfare facilities in Okayama Prefecture, the organization is now expanding its support to the Kansai and Chugoku regions.
About Chairman Kenichi Narita
Born in Kojima, Kurashiki City in November 1978, Mr. Narita experienced being diagnosed with a malignant tumor at the age of 16 and was given a prognosis of three months to live.
From his lonely days in a sterile room, he strongly resolved, "I want to do something useful for society while I am alive."
Based on this desire, Mr. Narita has continued his social contribution activities through food.
So far, he has delivered ingredients to about 20 facilities for disabled employment in Kurashiki City alone, and he is also providing support mainly in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kagawa with a mobile food bank called "Japan Harvest."
In Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto, he also supports children's cafeterias, and the network naturally expands through local connections.
We heard about the background that led to these activities and the thoughts that Mr. Narita cherishes.
Data on the Non-Profit Organization Japan Harvest
| Organization Name | Non-Profit Organization Japan Harvest |
|---|---|
| Industry | Non-profit activities ・Activities to promote social education ・Activities to promote community development ・Activities to promote environmental conservation ・Disaster relief activities ・Activities to protect human rights or promote peace ・International cooperation activities |
| Representative Name | Chairman Kenichi Narita |
| Year Established | March 9, 2018 |
| Address | 2440-52 Ueno, Kibi-cho, Kagawa-gun, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0866-56-7187 |
| Website | NPO Japan Harvest |
