Kumagaya City and INGEN Inc. (Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture) will launch a new value creation project for corn in collaboration with local producers. This project aims to develop agricultural products that leverage Kumagaya's high temperatures and abundant sunshine, with the basic concept being to "turn the heat into a regional strength" rather than to combat the rising summer temperatures. This fiscal year, we will conduct trial cultivation while verifying varietal characteristics, cultivation methods, and consumer evaluations. Ultimately, we aim to establish a regional brand and develop the production area. [Citizen Participation Tasting and Questionnaire Event Held at Yagiashi Department Store] As the first phase of the project, we will display a "Kumagaya Corn Heat Index Meter," modeled after the "Great Thermometer" that is a symbol of Kumagaya's summer, in the basement food section of Yagiashi Department Store. We will also hold a vote on how to best enjoy corn suited to the summer heat. The evaluations received from consumers will be utilized for future product development and regional production area development. [Event Outline] Yagiashi Department Store Kumagaya Corn Tasting Event Venue: Yagiashi Department Store Basement Food Section Address: 74 Nakacho, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture Pre-sale Scheduled: July 1, 2026 (Wed) Sales Period: July 4 (Sat), 5 (Sun), 8 (Wed), 2026, and thereafter until corn can be harvested. Sales Hours: Yagiashi Department Store opens at 10:00 AM - ends when sold out. *Due to trial cultivation this fiscal year, the schedule and content may change depending on the harvest status. Latest information will be announced on the official Instagram of INGEN Inc. [Background] Kumagaya City is known as one of the hottest regions in Japan. On the other hand, in the agricultural sector, cultivation environments are changing due to climate change, making it increasingly difficult to maintain traditional quality standards and cultivation me