Tohoku University has once again teamed up with local gelateria Natu-Lino to develop a new collection of "Travelling Gelato" - four original flavours inspired by cultures from around the world and developed by 16 domestic and international students.

The new flavours will make their debut at Tohoku University's Open Campus on July 29 - 30 before going on sale at Natu-Lino's outlet in Aeon Mall Natori in August.

This year's student participants represent eight countries and territories - Argentina, China, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Vietnam and Japan. They worked in four mixed teams to design original gelato flavours inspired by their own cultures while considering the preferences of Japanese consumers.

"Through the entire process - from developing ideas as a team to bringing a product to market - the students got to experience the realities of business, including customer needs, costs and profitability," said Yuka Sakamoto, an associate professor at the Global Learning Centre and one of the advisers on the project. "I hope this inspires all our students and shows them what can be achieved through good communication and working across cultures."

The project began in May with a series of informative lectures - an introduction to gelato production by Masashi Yanai of FMI Corporation and an explanation of dairy production methods, groundwater management and milking practices by Katsunori Komatsu, president of Komatsu Farm, which provides the fresh milk used in Natu-Lino's products.

Working closely with Natu-Lino and staff from the GLC and Tohoku University Fund, the four teams spent several weeks researching, refining and testing their concepts. The company sourced the ingredients and hosted two tasting sessions, allowing participants to adjust their recipes before presenting their flavours and marketing strategies to a panel of judges in a friendly competition.

"I had never done business before, so this project has been a great opportunity to learn how to create and market a product," said Pemika "Nene" Thaptha from Thailand. "I've also made new friends on this project and it's been a lot of fun."

For Japanese student Oh Abe from Iwate Prefecture, the project also offered an opportunity to experience different cultures. "I joined this programme because I love ice cream and I thought it would be interesting to learn how gelato is made," said Abe. "But actually the best part is meeting and working with so many students from other countries. It was a completely new experience for me."

The four new flavours reflect a distinctive blend of cultures and creative thinking.

For Natu-Lino President Tomohiro Suzuki, the collaboration continues to demonstrate the value of diversity. "We've been doing this for three years and every year I learn more about different countries, their food and culture," he said. "Working with these students has shown me that wonderful things can come from combining different cultures and backgrounds. Ultimately, our shared goal is to create delicious gelato that makes people happy."

Travelling Gelato is part of the university's Students × Jimoto Project, which was launched in 2024. The initiative promotes cultural exchange and encourages domestic and international students to work with local businesses to strengthen community ties.

Tohoku University x Natu-Lino Travelling Gelato

• Open Campus:

  Dates and time: July 29 - 30, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  Location: Kawauchi Campus, in front of Sky Kawauchi Forest (map)

• AEON MALL Natori:

  Dates and time: July 31 - August 11, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  Location: Gelateria Natu-Lino, 1/F AEON Mall Natori

Price: Single = 580 yen, Double = 680 yen, Triple = 780 yen, Takeaway Cup (sealed) = 580 yen (all prices include tax)

*A portion of the sales will be donated to the Tohoku University Fund to support international exchange programmes.