Sustainable Udon:Recycling Discarded Noodles into Resources
うどんをまるごと循環させる！廃棄うどんを「資源」に
【Program Overview & Purpose】
Kagawa Prefecture, located in Shikoku, is famous for its udon noodles. It is said that each resident consumes approximately 220 servings of udon per year—the highest amount in Japan. Udon is enjoyed almost daily by local people. There are reportedly more than 800 Sanuki udon restaurants throughout the prefecture, attracting visitors from all over Japan who come to enjoy its delicious noodles. However, a significant amount of udon goes to waste each year. This happens because shops prioritize serving freshly made noodles, the firm texture (koshi) of Sanuki udon is considered essential, and the manufacturing process produces unusable trimmings.
Our project reduces waste from Sanuki udon restaurants by recycling discarded noodles. Instead of throwing them away, we transform them into valuable resources. Through this effort, we hope to create a model for a more sustainable future. By observing and experiencing the process firsthand, participants can see how this cycle works and start thinking about sustainability in their everyday lives.
【Program Flow】
1. Introduction to the Udon Recycling Project (Learn through quizzes and a board game)
2. Sanuki Udon Hand-Making Experience (Includes a meal)
3. Wheat Field Visit (Experience seasonal farm activities such as planting seeds, weeding, or harvesting wheat)
4. Plant tour (Discover how discarded udon is transformed into biogas and used to generate electricity)
You can choose any combination of Activities 1–4. All locations are in Takamatsu City, but they are at different sites, so you'll need transportation between them.
Examples:
◎Activities 1, 2, 3, and 4 → 3 locations (transportation needed)
◎Activities 1, 2, and 4 OR Activities 2 and 4 → 2 locations (transportation needed)
◎Activities 1 and 2 only → 1 location (no transportation needed)
Kagawa Prefecture, located in Shikoku, is famous for its udon noodles. It is said that each resident consumes approximately 220 servings of udon per year—the highest amount in Japan. Udon is enjoyed almost daily by local people. There are reportedly more than 800 Sanuki udon restaurants throughout the prefecture, attracting visitors from all over Japan who come to enjoy its delicious noodles. However, a significant amount of udon goes to waste each year. This happens because shops prioritize serving freshly made noodles, the firm texture (koshi) of Sanuki udon is considered essential, and the manufacturing process produces unusable trimmings.
Our project reduces waste from Sanuki udon restaurants by recycling discarded noodles. Instead of throwing them away, we transform them into valuable resources. Through this effort, we hope to create a model for a more sustainable future. By observing and experiencing the process firsthand, participants can see how this cycle works and start thinking about sustainability in their everyday lives.
【Program Flow】
1. Introduction to the Udon Recycling Project (Learn through quizzes and a board game)
2. Sanuki Udon Hand-Making Experience (Includes a meal)
3. Wheat Field Visit (Experience seasonal farm activities such as planting seeds, weeding, or harvesting wheat)
4. Plant tour (Discover how discarded udon is transformed into biogas and used to generate electricity)
You can choose any combination of Activities 1–4. All locations are in Takamatsu City, but they are at different sites, so you'll need transportation between them.
Examples:
◎Activities 1, 2, 3, and 4 → 3 locations (transportation needed)
◎Activities 1, 2, and 4 OR Activities 2 and 4 → 2 locations (transportation needed)
◎Activities 1 and 2 only → 1 location (no transportation needed)
Recommendations
Udon tastes even better when you make it yourself. Beyond its great flavor, we hope Sanuki udon will be recognized for its role in creating a more sustainable society.
- Regions
- Central Kagawa Prefecture
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
| Address | 香川県高松市香南町西庄941-5（ちよだ製作所内） |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 080-3924-7023 |
| Website | Website |
| Contact Information | Udon Total Recycling Project |
| Contact Person | Shinsuke KUME |
| Email Address | watatumi_yoyaku@yahoo.co.jp |
