GK spoke with Mr. Noritaka Takeda, President of Maneki Foods Co. Ltd., to learn how the bento pioneer has weathered 135 years of change. With a mission to globalize Japan’s ekiben culture, the company balances sustainability, slow innovation and deep respect for tradition, proving timeless values can drive future growth. Read an excerpt from the interview below.
How did the decrease in domestic train usage affect your business?
For a small company built around train travel, the pandemic’s impact was unprecedented. Despite the hardships, we stayed positive and future-focused, which helped us survive what was arguably the toughest time in our 135-year history.
What SDG-related initiatives are you working on?
We’re active on several fronts, from donating unused food and hiring people with disabilities to using eco-certified ingredients and reducing plastic. Our “SDG bento,” served at events like the G20 and Tokyo Olympics, showcases this effort and will be featured at Expo 2025 as well.
What’s the secret behind Maneki Foods’ long-term success?
Our philosophy is to take on every challenge while staying rooted in tradition. We adapt slowly and deliberately, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of who we are.
What are your plans for overseas expansion?
Globalizing bento culture remains my personal mission. We’re targeting the U.S. and Europe through partnerships, and I believe Japan’s ‘ekinaka’ (“inside the train station”) model could serve as soft power to promote our food and culture abroad.
