Everyone is familiar with the pace and wonder of Japanese technology. They have been at the forefront of new inventions and ideas since after World War II. Even their army rations are specially formulated to provide the best nutrition to its soldiers while in the field. If you’ve never heard of the SDF Cup Noodle or Self Defense Forces Cup Noodle – these are specially packed instant ramen noodles that put emphasis on Kcal energy rather than quantity of noodles. The packed noodles can last for months and only needs hot water to be edible.
Then, from a completely different perspective, Konami Corporation which is a video game maker in Japan has signed up with the United Nations World Food Program to use their creativity and technology to bring more awareness to world hunger.
The game Konami was able to come up with is called “Food Force.” It is a free app available in Facebook and is a second edition of the 2005 game. In the 2012 version, the game is about a group of workers who have to save hunger-stricken countries by finding food sources and means to getting the food to the countries safely.
There are virtual goods which can be purchased and some of the proceeds of the sale will be forwarded to the United Nations for school meal projects.
In food packaging, Japanese technology has taken great strides in improving preservation and freshness in food. For instance, Maxive by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company is an adhesive to prevent oxygen or any other gas from seeping into food packages and causing spoilage.
Oxy-Catch is another invention by Kyodo Printing which is multi-layered film packaging that prevents oxidation. It makes packing less costly and complex. Once these two technological advancements are fully implemented, food costs will decrease.
Finally, another Japanese company developed a new way of freezing food called Cells Alive System or CAS. Through magnetic fields, CAS can control crystallization so that the food cells’ structures are not damaged. The food will stay in virtual limbo and when defrosted will look and taste as fresh as the day it was made or picked.
