Society

Kewpie to sell 'scrambled egg' made entirely of soy

Jun 10 (Nikkei) - Japanese mayonnaise manufacturer Kewpie has developed a vegetarian version of scrambled eggs that are made of soy beans, as demand for such products rise.

Kewpie plans to start selling its "Hobotama," which is translated as "almost eggs," at the end of June, to businesses such as hotels and restaurants, and schools initially, before possibly targeting mass consumers. The price of Hobotama will be three times that of wholesale scrambled eggs.

Consumers have been moving toward vegetarian and vegan options globally for health and environmental reasons. Scientists have said that farming animals not only require huge amounts of water and feed, but also energy and land. Cows also release methane, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Companies the U.S., including California-based startup Eat Just, have been offering egg substitutes. This is in part also due to concerns over potential protein shortages in the future due to global population growth. U.S. research company Lux Research forecast that global protein consumption would double by 2054 from 2014. It projects that alternatives to traditional protein sources will account for 30% of total consumption of protein by then.

Kewpie is a key producer of egg-based products, and is the holder of the highest number of egg-related patents in major countries.

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Tohoku Shinkansen Cars Unexpectedly Detach

A Tohoku Shinkansen train came to an unexpected stop between Ueno and Omiya on March 6th after its coupled cars separated. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the Hayabusa-Komachi No. 21 train.

Japan to Release Rice Reserves as Prices Surge Past 5,000 Yen for 5kg

Japan’s rice prices have been steadily climbing, with the cost of a 5-kilogram bag rising from 2,430 to 3,297 yen last year and further increasing to 3,949 yen this year, putting pressure on household budgets. To curb these rising prices, the government has decided to release its rice reserves.

Gunkanjima Faces Collapse Risk as Buildings Deteriorate

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

Nara's Omizutori Fire Ritual Marks 1,274 Year

The annual Shunie ceremony, commonly known as Omizutori, has begun at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Carrying large torches, attendants lit the way as monks, known as the Rengyoshu, slowly ascended the steps of Nigatsudo Hall.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Free ‘Manhole Cards’ Resold for Thousands, Angering Collectors

A surge in the resale of 'Manhole Cards,' collectible cards featuring designs of local manhole covers distributed for free by municipalities, has angered collectors and local governments. Some cards are being resold for as much as 100,000 yen, prompting concerns over fairness and the original intent behind the initiative.

Abandoned Hospital Becomes Haunting Ground, Alarming Residents

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, has become a well-known "haunted spot," drawing unwanted attention and raising concerns among local residents. Fresh footprints in the snow indicate frequent trespassing, despite the lack of any official visitors.