Welcome back to Foodtech EYES where we deliver the latest global food innovation news and community updates from UnlocX. In this issue, our MUST READ is “Beyond Smart Cities: The Rise of Regenerative Urbanism.”
The article argues that cities should move beyond efficiency and “smartness,” and instead focus on regenerating ecosystems, communities, and urban structures themselves. One line that particularly stood out to our team was a remark by Sara Roversi, also well known at SKS JAPAN:
“Smart made us faster, but not wiser.”
It captures the idea that technological optimization alone does not necessarily lead to better judgment or more resilient societies. We also highlight an important piece of domestic news: food tech has been designated as one of the strategic priorities within the Prime Minister–led national growth strategy. As the government has positioned FoodTech as a key strategic area, the field is expected to attract even more players. While this brings opportunities to startups to large corporations, it will be even more important to unlock the broader value of food. Food, at its core, shapes ecosystems, influences urban structures, and creates human connection. As the industry expands, we believe it is essential not to lose sight of these roles. Our hope is that the food-tech sector will continue to grow with a regenerative mindset, strengthening the systems it touches rather than depleting them. Now, let’s dive into this issue’s carefully selected must-read articles from Japan and abroad.
This edition is an English translation of the original Foodtech Eyes in Japanese published on November 18, 2025. This email is being sent to newsletter subscribers as well as those who have connected with UnlocX in the past. To unsubscribe, please see below.
—---------------------------—---------------------------—---------------- 👉Contents ・INSIGHTS from RECENT MUST READ ARTICLES ・MUST READ ARTICLES ・COMMUNITY NEWS —---------------------------—---------------------------—----------------
INSIGHTS from RECENT MUST READ ARTICLES In this issue, we feature two articles examining Japan’s food policy under the new administration. Under Prime Minister Takaichi, food tech has been explicitly defined as one of the 17 priority areas in the national growth strategy. Efforts are now underway to strengthen the country’s food-supply system and to develop an investment roadmap through industry–academia–government collaboration. Another article covers Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Suzuki’s surprise appearance at SKS Japan 2025, where he emphasized a clear shift away from traditional protectionist policies. His message centered on “earning power,” signaling a strong commitment to expanding the food and agriculture sector as a growth-oriented business industry. From a global perspective, we highlight Singapore’s strategic pivot from its “30 by 30” policy—originally aimed at reducing dependence on food imports. The country has adopted a new approach built on four pillars: domestic production of proteins and fiber, diversification of imports, strengthened reserves, and international partnerships. We also draw attention to the emerging concept of Regenerative Urbanism, seen as the next phase beyond “smart cities.” Rather than pursuing efficiency alone, this framework seeks to regenerate ecosystems, communities, and urban structures. As food, cities, and everyday life intersect, discussions are intensifying around rethinking food infrastructure, local food cultures, and urban design. As the year comes to a close, Whole Foods Market has released its annual trend report outlining key themes for 2026—including increased dietary fiber, higher-quality frozen and convenience foods, a blend of functionality and flavor, and beverages inspired by global tastes. Finally, we introduce a fascinating piece on a “digital pill” developed by Kyoto University and Otsuka Pharmaceutical, which uses stomach acid to generate and store energy for in-body sensors. This technology enables real-time monitoring of the gut environment—promising to advance our ability to understand not only what we eat, but how the body responds at a far deeper level.
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