Zenbird Editorial TeamA coalition of 11 companies across various industries launched the Mokatsu® Project on 11 December to promote the health and environmental benefits of algae. It is led by Euglena Co., Ltd., and aims to integrate seaweed and microalgae into modern Japanese lifestyles to address public health challenges and climate danger. The term “Mokatsu,” a registered trademark of Euglena, refers to the proactive consumption and use of algae in daily life.
Algae represent a traditional staple of the Japanese diet, providing essential nutrients such as dietary fibre, minerals, and amino acids. The project seeks to revitalise this cultural heritage to combat modern health issues, including the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and the extension of healthy life expectancy.
The coalition also highlights the environmental significance of algae. These organisms offer high production efficiency per unit area and serve as natural carbon sinks, making them effective contributors to climate change mitigation through blue carbon sequestration.
To facilitate consumer engagement, the project established an official information portal, Mokatsu.jp. The website provides health data and recipes supervised by participating firms, such as wakame salad with roasted seaweed and chlorella-infused rice with salted kelp. Furthermore, a “Mokatsu mark” will appear on eligible products to help consumers identify items that support an algae-based lifestyle.
The alliance plans to expand the initiative through partnerships with retailers and the introduction of specialised menus at restaurants.
[Reference] Euglena News Release (Japanese)
