Onigiri Action 2026 food security campaign

The non-profit organization TABLE FOR TWO has launched the ‘Onigiri Action 2026’ campaign, running from October 8 to November 17. The initiative aims to combat food insecurity by encouraging participants to post photos of rice balls (onigiri) on social media or official websites. Each submission is intended to trigger donations providing five school meals for children in Africa and Asia.

The campaign features various partnerships and special events. These include the sale of a limited-edition ‘TSUMUGU’ onigiri in Tokyo, co-developed by Michelin-starred chef Masahiro Haruta and students, and a culinary educational program in Minoh, Osaka. Official partners for the year include Nissan Serena, Oisix, Nissui, and Nikoniko Nori. Additionally, the campaign provides support within Japan through the ‘Zenkoku Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo’ association.

Olympic silver medalist Mika Sugimoto serves as the special ambassador for the initiative. The campaign seeks to build upon a historical record of providing 12.8 million meals through 2.43 million photo submissions over the previous 11 years.