A tasting event for prototypes using Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation's spore-forming lactic acid bacteria "Lacris™" was held at the YOXO FESTIVAL 2026 venue (Grand Mall Park) for two days, on Saturday, January 31st and Sunday, February 1st.
The weather was good on the day, and many visitors stopped by, making it such a success that we had to finish serving food earlier than expected on each day.
Turning student ideas into experiences for visitors: prototypes born from workshops
The prototypes provided this time were developed based on ideas that emerged from workshops held with student participation on Thursday, November 27th and Tuesday, December 9th. At the workshops, diverse ideas were exchanged from the unique student perspective on new ways to incorporate lactic acid bacteria and the possibility of creating product experiences unique to Yokohama.
Menu offered on the day of the tasting event: Tapioca drink, jelly, and cookies (3 types)
On the day of the tasting event, the following three prototypes were prepared and offered to visitors to YOXO FESTIVAL 2026.
・Tapioca drink
·jelly
·cookie
While lactic acid bacteria are often associated with dairy products, this proposal to incorporate them into everyday life in a more familiar way provided an opportunity for people to experience not only the taste but also the expansion of the food scene.
The venue, Grand Mall Park, is located in the heart of the Minato Mirai area and is an open space with a high level of mobility. Many people stopped by between events, and the prototype sparked natural conversation.
Due to favorable weather on both January 31st and February 1st, the service ended earlier than planned.
The weather was good on both days, and the venue was bustling with visitors. As a result, so many people tried the samples that we finished serving earlier than planned on both days.
Comments from visitors: "I'm happy to be able to get lactic acid bacteria from non-dairy products on a daily basis" and "I can't wait for it to be commercialized"
On the day, visitors gave the following feedback:
"When we think of lactic acid bacteria, we tend to think of dairy products, but my children like jelly and pudding, so I'm happy to be able to get lactic acid bacteria from non-dairy products on a daily basis."
"I can't wait for it to be commercialized."
In addition to the deliciousness, we were able to get feedback from consumers about "in what situations, who can enjoy it, and how," which was a valuable learning experience for future consideration.
Student feedback: "It was a valuable opportunity to discuss with many companies" and "I was exposed to business thinking."
Students who participated in the process from the workshop to the tasting session had the following to say:
"It was a valuable opportunity to have discussions with so many companies."
"It was an opportunity not only to turn my ideas into products, but also to learn about business thinking."
The students were able to experience the ideas being presented in the "space" and receiving feedback from visitors, which clearly led to practical learning for the students.
The Yokohama Future Institute promotes the creation of new businesses originating in Yokohama through collaboration.
Future Innovation Yokohama will continue to promote the creation of new businesses originating in Yokohama through collaboration with companies, universities, and students.
The YOXO FESTIVAL, with its theme of "Experience the Future in Yokohama," brings together a diverse range of people and serves as a venue for experiencing cutting-edge technology and ideas. This tasting event was also based on an idea from a student, and was an initiative that brought together corporate technology and the real opinions of visitors.