Okinawa-based Butterfly Pea Research Institute, Ltd., organized the "Okinawa Butterfly Pea Symposium" in Naha City, Okinawa. The symposium was dedicated to discussing the unique characteristics and potential of the butterfly pea plant. Euglena Co. Highlights the Potential of Butterfly Pea at Okinawa Symposium.

Okinawa, known for its rich subtropical biodiversity, presents both challenges and opportunities stemming from its insular nature, combined with the positive impacts of its traditional food culture on longevity. The butterfly pea, a leguminous plant, is gaining traction as a promising new product of Okinawa, with high hopes for its industrialization within the region. The forum aimed to facilitate discussions and disseminate information geared towards realizing innovations via the butterfly pea.

Details of the "Okinawa Butterfly Pea Symposium":

• Date & Time: October 5th (Thu) 2023, 14:00 - 17:00 (Doors open at 14:00, networking from 16:00-17:00)
• Location: Okinawa Industrial Support Center, 1F Main Hall, 1831-1 Oroku, Naha City, Okinawa
• Organized by: Okinawa Butterfly Pea Symposium Administration Office
• Participation Fee: Free
• Target Audience: Individuals interested in Okinawa tourism, beauty, and health. This includes corporations, groups, students, professionals, manufacturers, retailers, OEMs, dealers, agents, etc.
• Administration Office Address: "Okinawa Butterfly Pea Memorial Symposium" Administration Office, within the Butterfly Pea Research Institute, Ltd., 2-3-1 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa 900-0004.

Program Highlights:

1. Opening Remarks
2. Memorial Symposium:
   • "Sustainable Business Prospects of Butterfly Pea in Okinawa" by Ou HouRyu, CEO of Butterfly Pea Research Institute, Ltd.
   • "Potential of Okinawa-produced Butterfly Pea in the Healthcare Industry" by Dr. Kengo Suzuki, Co-founder of Euglena Co.
   • "Medical Potential of Okinawa-produced Butterfly Pea" by Professor Yusuke Shimizu, Ryukyu University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery.
   • "Next-Generation Tourism Opportunities through Butterfly Pea" by Professor Masashi Arakawa, Ryukyu University, Department of International Regional Creation / Tourism Science.
3. Panel Discussion with All Speakers
4. Networking Session

From Euglena Co., Ltd. Dr. Kengo Suzuki presented his insights, citing planetary boundaries and health challenges as well as the uniqueness of Okinawa as a Blue Zone—regions of the world where people live longer than average. He underscored the butterfly pea's capabilities to enhance human health and environmental sustainability. Dr. Suzuki also touched upon the use of AI in researching and developing butterfly pea-based solutions and elaborated on the potential of the butterfly pea industry in contributing to regional revitalization, especially in Okinawa.

[Memo]

Butterfly peas are a legume and can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner. Anthocyanins in butterfly peas have the potential to solve health issues.

Environmental Impact	Beans emit far fewer greenhouse gases during production than beef or other animal proteins. Growing pulses has the potential to contribute to the health of the planet because they maintain soil health and absorb carbon.
Nutrient	Butterfly peas have the nutritional value of anthocyanins, which may reduce the risk of several diseases. Thus, tempeh promotes a healthy diet and may protect against several chronic diseases.
Food safety and security	Butterfly peas are relatively easy to produce and limited fertilizer can be produced locally, thus promoting food security and self-sufficiency.