[Kagoshima, Japan, 14 May 2026] – Vena Energy, the renewable energy arm of Vena Group, announced that “Honey Meadol Yae”, a honey-based alcoholic beverage co-developed with sake-brewing venture HONEY CRAFT, has been awarded the prestigious Kagoshima City Mayor’s Prize at the 2025 Kagoshima New Speciality Products Competition.
The award-winning beverage is crafted using rice grown in the historic Yae Terraced Rice Fields in Kagoshima City’s Koriyama district. Blending “Yae Terraced Fields Rice Black Koji” cultivated locally with “Hundred Flowers Honey” harvested from beekeeping in the same region, “Honey Meadol Yae” represents a refined product born from deep collaboration within the community.
Revitalising Rural Communities Through Sustainable Partnerships
In 2021, Vena Energy established Kazamidori (General Incorporated Association) to address the growing challenges facing Japan’s mountainous and rural regions through community-based initiatives. Many of these areas — similar to locations where renewable energy projects are developed — face ageing populations, depopulation, declining village functions, and difficulties in preserving traditional industries and cultural heritage.
As part of revitalisation efforts in Kagoshima City’s Koriyama district, Kazamidori has partnered with HONEY CRAFT since 2023 to protect and nurture the Yae Terraced Rice Fields. The collaboration began with supporting HONEY CRAFT’s relocation of its production base and employees to Koriyama, followed by joint product development to establish the Yae Terraced Rice Fields as a distinctive regional brand.
[From left: Rice planting in Yaeno’s terraced fields / Yaeno’s terraced fields and Sakurajima / Rice harvesting in progress]
Kazamidori and HONEY CRAFT currently lease two rice paddies of terraced rice fields for cultivation. Beyond product innovation, the partnership actively promotes agritourism and community engagement. Each year, approximately 30 participants — including children and families — take part in rice planting and harvesting experiences, strengthening connections between generations and fostering appreciation for local agriculture. Participants conclude the harvest by enjoying rice balls made from freshly harvested Yae rice, reinforcing the tangible value of local production.
Advancing Renewable Energy in Harmony with Communities
Vena Energy develops, constructs, owns, and operates green energy projects across the Asia-Pacific region, including solar, wind, and energy storage solutions. Guided by its corporate philosophy of coexistence with local communities, the company seeks to ensure that renewable energy development contributes meaningfully to long-term regional sustainability.
Many renewable energy projects are located in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas similar to Koriyama. Through initiatives such as Kazamidori, Vena Energy extends its commitment beyond energy generation to supporting sustainable regional foundations and revitalising local economies.
“Vena Energy is committed to accelerating the transition to renewable energy while upholding our philosophy of coexistence with local communities. We are deeply honoured that ‘Honey Meadol Yae,’ jointly created by Kazamidori and HONEY CRAFT, has received the Kagoshima Mayor’s Prize at the 2025 Kagoshima New Speciality Products Competition. This recognition affirms the strength of community collaboration. We will continue contributing to Japan’s 2050 Carbon Neutrality goal while deepening our symbiosis with local communities and supporting sustainable regional development.”
Through integrated renewable energy development and community revitalisation initiatives, Vena Energy remains dedicated to building resilient, sustainable societies across Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
About the Kagoshima New Specialty Products Competition
Organised by the Kagoshima Prefecture Specialty Products Association, a public interest incorporated association, the Kagoshima New Specialty Products Competition broadly solicits newly developed, manufactured, or improved products within the prefecture. This aims to promote the creation of marketable goods that meet diversifying consumer needs, enhance producers’ skills, and stimulate product development enthusiasm.
Website: https://www.k-p-a.jp/concool-info/concool-news/13551/
About Kazamidori
Kazamidori primarily conducts the following activities in the mountainous and mid-mountainous regions and settlements of Ichikikushikino City, Satsumasendai City, and Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, with the aim of further developing and revitalising the local economy.
- Regional Seed Search: Support for identifying and organising local challenges and resources
- Grant support for organisations engaged in community activities
- Regional project support activities / Dispatching specialists to accompany local challenges (advice and consultancy)
Key Activities (Excerpt)
- Start-up support for the Ichikikushikino City Social Welfare Council’s mobile supermarket project
- Operation of MINOTE+: Serving as a community exchange space and direct sales outlet for local vegetables and fresh flowers
- Supporting pupil recruitment for Ichikikushikino Municipal Arakawa Primary School: Planning and production of PR posters and videos
- Regional revitalisation of the Kōyama area, Kagoshima City, including the “Yaeno Tanada” terraced rice fields: Development of local specialities such as “Hachimitsu-shu meadol Yaeno”
Address (Main Office): 2370-2 Arakawa, Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima Prefecture (MINOTE+)
Website: https://kazamidori.org/
About HONEY CRAFT
HONEY CRAFT is a brewery specialising in the production of alcoholic beverages using honey as a primary ingredient.It celebrated its 6th anniversary on 22 January 2026. After training at Tokyo Port Brewing, it established its own brewery, “HONEY CRAFT”, in 2022. Currently operating HONEY CRAFT CAFE in Kagoshima City’s Arata district and at Aeon Town Aira, it leverages the strength of owning both its brewing and dining facilities. It prioritises freshness and continues to pursue unique value that only it can deliver.
Head Office: 2-40-17-1F Arata, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Website: https://honey-craft.jp/