Khon Kaen University (KKU), in partnership with Japan’s Takasaki City University of Economics, hosted an international seminar on August 25, 2025, to foster knowledge exchange on cricket protein and edible insect technology. The event, titled “Practice on Mutual Learning on Food and Agricultural Sustainability (INSECT FOOD-TECH),” brought together academics and industry experts from Thailand, Japan, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Held at the Bayasita Hotel on the KKU campus, the seminar was opened by Professor Iijima of Takasaki City University of Economics. He outlined the event’s goal: to promote wider acceptance of edible insects and advance their integration into the industrial food system.

The first session featured Thai experts. Asst. Prof. Dr. Maneerat Wongsim from Mahasarakham University discussed the development of standards for cricket farms and protein products to meet global market demands. Following her, Dr. Anuwat Srisawat from KKU’s Institute for Strategic Research and Cooperation for Northeast Development (ISAC) provided an overview of Thailand’s cricket protein industry, detailing the entire supply chain from farming to processing and marketing.

In the second session, representatives from Japan shared their market insights. Mr. Shinjiro Saeki of TAKEO Inc. spoke about consumer behavior and trends regarding insect consumption in Japan. Mr. Kazuhito Kondo from Calbee Co., Ltd. addressed the critical importance of hygiene management and quality control in agricultural processing to build consumer trust.

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lampang Manmart, Acting Director of ISAC, emphasized that developing the cricket protein industry requires multi-faceted cooperation. He stressed the need for collaboration not only in production but also in processing and international marketing, particularly in key markets like Japan, Europe, and the United States. He highlighted the importance of strategic communication to shift consumer attitudes and make edible insects a mainstream food source, with the ultimate goal of positioning Thailand as a global hub for cricket protein.

The seminar marked the beginning of a three-day collaborative event, with the delegation from Japan and Laos scheduled for a follow-up “INSECT FOOD-TECH SEMINAR” on August 26 and a “STUDY TOUR ON CRICKET BUSINESS” on August 27.