Agro Ludens Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kiyotaka Saga) is pleased to announce its participation in the "Food Valley Tochigi Promotion Council." Left: Comeat® image, Center: Our Representative Director Saga, Right: Interior view of Nasu Factory The Food Valley Tochigi Promotion Council aims to promote the food-related industry in Tochigi Prefecture by fostering active exchange and collaboration among food-related companies, industry support organizations, and other related entities within the prefecture. This initiative seeks to drive new product development, expand sales channels with an eye on overseas markets, enhance the added value of agriculture, and attract businesses that leverage the prefecture's strengths. Based at our Nasu Factory (Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, hereinafter referred to as "Nasu Factory"), which began operations in 2026, we are engaged in the research, development, and manufacturing of rice-based bioprocess technology. The Nasu Factory is the first factory in Japan*1 dedicated to the production of rice-derived mycoprotein and manufactures rice-derived mycoprotein Comeat® and rice syrup, which are food ingredients. *1 As a specialized manufacturing plant for rice-derived mycoprotein in Japan (as of June 2026, self-researched) Moving forward, through collaboration with Tochigi Prefecture and companies participating in the Food Valley Tochigi Promotion Council, we aim to contribute to the development of the regional food industry and create new food and energy resources utilizing rice. What is Comeat®? Using our proprietary manufacturing method, we ferment the protein from rice with koji mold, which supports Japanese food culture, to create "fermented protein." It is a type of mycoprotein*2 that combines the umami from koji mold fermentation with a minced meat-like texture, making it a versatile ingredient for various dishes. It is high in protein and low in fat, characterized by the umami and aroma