The Japan-Spain Business Circle Awards Casio and Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods at the IX Keicho Awards
The Japan-Spain Business Circle (CEJE) celebrated the IX edition of the Keicho Innovation and Technology Awards last Thursday, November 14, a recognition of business projects that stand out for their innovation and social impact. On this occasion, the awards went to Casio Educación España and Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods. The event took place at the Círculo Ecuestre de Barcelona and was attended by the Honorary President of S.M. King Don Felipe VI, bringing together a total of 137 attendees, including representatives of institutions and managers of Japanese and Spanish companies.
Among the personalities present were Akiko Shikata, Consul General of Japan in Barcelona, who highlighted the value of the Keicho Awards as a symbol of the strong historical ties and current cooperation between Japan and Spain, and the Consellera de Recerca i Universitats, Núria Montserrat Pulido, who highlighted the points in common between the innovation ecosystems of Catalonia and Japan, highlighting perseverance, scientific excellence and the desire to transform society through knowledge. Also attending was Josep Santacreu, President of the Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona, representing the business sector.
These awards would not be possible without the support of Nippon Gases, sponsor of this edition, which was represented by Justin Corcho, General Manager of Nippon Gases Iberia, who praised the importance of international cooperation and technological exchange between Spain and Japan as engines of innovation and development. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to projects that promote efficiency, sustainability and knowledge transfer, reaffirming the value of strategic alliances that contribute to business and social progress.
Casio Educación España was recognized for its Women Do Science project, an initiative that promotes gender equality in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and brings science closer to more than 130,000 students and teachers through innovative pedagogical tools. The project turns the scientific calculator into a motivating educational experience, incorporating illustrations of scientists and teaching materials that inspire new generations.
For its part, Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods, of the Grup Cañigueral, received its award for the Kuraban project, developed together with Itoham Yonekyu, which allows vacuum-packed fresh meat to be preserved for up to 80 days. This initiative combines Mediterranean creativity and Japanese technological precision, strengthening trade relations with Japan and opening up new logistical and international expansion opportunities.
From CEJE, we congratulate the award-winning companies and thank all the authorities, sponsors and attendees for their participation, which strengthens business ties and technological cooperation between Spain and Japan.
We will soon share more photos and a complete summary of the event.
