The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) participated in “Global Festa JAPAN 2025,” an international cooperation event held on September 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun), 2025, at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Sankaku Hiroba (Triangular Plaza) in Tokyo. Organized by the Global Festa JAPAN 2025 Executive Committee, this event is one of Japan’s largest platforms for showcasing international cooperation efforts, and this year welcomed a total of 14,508 visitors over two days.

The JIRCAS booth focused on quinoa, a highly nutritious crop capable of thriving in harsh high-altitude environments. The exhibit introduced ongoing research activities and international collaboration efforts in Bolivia, South America. Quinoa is a grain that contains a well-balanced mix of the five essential nutrients and is cultivated in high-salinity soils such as around Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats. Its high nutritional value and resilience to environmental stress have gained quinoa global attention as a “superfood.”

JIRCAS is conducting international joint research in collaboration with Bolivian research institutions to develop quinoa varieties and cultivation techniques suited to local conditions. At the booth, actual quinoa specimens and a variety of related products were displayed to help visitors better understand the research. Many attendees shared comments such as “I eat quinoa regularly” and “I’d like to learn more,” reflecting a growing awareness and interest in quinoa through direct dialogue with visitors.

As global challenges such as climate change and population growth intensify food issues, JIRCAS sees great potential in quinoa as a crop with excellent nutritional and environmental adaptability, and will continue its research and outreach efforts to contribute to sustainable food production.