Special program scheduled to air on YBC Yamagata Broadcasting on Saturday, February 28, 2026

A special program related to the Tsuruoka Gastronomic Innovation Institute will be broadcast on Yamagata Broadcasting (YBC) on Saturday, February 28, from 13:30.
Please tune in and watch.

Program Title: Does “Deliciousness” Change with a Story!? Approaching the True Nature of Taste Through the Fusion of Food Science and Culture.
Air Date/Time: Saturday, February 28, 13:30 – 14:00
Channel: YBC Yamagata Broadcasting https://www.ybc.co.jp/
YouTube Streaming: To be released on YouTube as soon as ready.
Yamagata Broadcasting Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yamagatahoso/videos

Program Summary:
Masaru Tomita, former Director of the Keio University Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), has been appointed as the director of the Tsuruoka Gastronomic Innovation Institute established last fall. The Tsuruoka Gastronomic Innovation project is a collaboration between Keio IAB and the Yamagata University Faculty of Agriculture, who both conduct research in Tsuruoka, and work with leading Japanese food manufacturers to create innovative food. Tomita says:
“Osechi (traditional New Year’s food) is delicious when eaten on New Year’s Day, but it is not as delicious at any other time of year.” While scientifically this may be seen as nonsense, it is not just in your head. The story behind food, such as its history and culture, also creates deliciousness. What is this unique plan to uncover the “true nature of taste” from both scientific and cultural perspectives?