On June 4, 2024, USDA Japan hosted the ninth U.S.-Japan Agricultural Trade Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel welcomed five new members to the Hall of Fame, which recognizes prominent food industry members that have made significant contributions to expanding U.S. agricultural exports.
Ambassador Emanuel thanked this year’s inductees, and Hall of Fame alumni in attendance, for their loyalty and support for U.S. agriculture over many years and highlighted the importance of Japan as our fourth largest export market for agriculture.
President of Union Shoji Co., Ltd.
Union Shoji Co., Ltd., based in Nagoya, has been importing several thousand tons of raisins, almonds and walnuts from the U.S. annually. The company also imports hazelnuts, pistachio, and dry fruits from the U.S. Union Shoji has been supporting U.S tree nuts and dried fruits as high-quality products in the market for many years.
Founder & Senior Advisor Del Sole Corporation
Del Sole Corporation, based in Tokyo, developed the frozen and chilled pizza market in Japan while importing U.S. food products. The company imports hundreds of tons of American shredded cheese, tomato sauce, herb sauces, pepperoni, bacon, and sausage from the U.S. annually. The company also utilized considerable amount of U.S. wheat flour every year.
President of Fuji Oil
Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Osaka, Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. is the largest producer of soy protein in Japan, and a major user of U.S. food-grade soybeans. The company manufactures many types of soy products, including Prime Soy, a next-generation soy protein product, soy milk cream and low-fat soy milk using USS processing technology, and cheese-like fermented soy milk products. The company is constantly developing innovative products from U.S. food-grade soybean meal.
President of Osaki Suisan Co., LTD.
Osaki Suisan, based in Hiroshima, is one of the largest “kanikama (imitation crab)” producers in Japan and the developer of the now world-famous “Fish Stick”. The company, which sells kanikama around the world, continues to demonstrate faith and commitment to food production, and has long used the finest quality of sustainably harvested Alaskan pollock surimi. In 2022, the company was awarded the U.S. Embassy Award at the 73rd All National Kamaboko Makers Exhibition.
President of Nishinihon Kawayo Co., LTD.
Nishinihon Kawayo Co., Ltd, established in 1982 and headquartered in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a trading company specializing in imports and sales of hay and the production of feed mainly for cattle and horses. The company also operates beef cattle and dairy farms. With stable supply of safe and reliable feed as its mission, the company has been a long-time importer of hay from the United States.
