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From Biogas to Popcorn: An unexpected encounter that embodies the spirit of CCI France Japon
At first glance, there is little to connect a company specializing in agricultural biogas production with a company promoting French gastronomy in Japan. Yet a chance encounter during a pilgrimage to Notre-Dame d'Akita led to a friendship and, eventually, a natural collaboration.
Today, NASKEO has chosen to sponsor Marc&Co's membership in CCI France Japon, perfectly illustrating the purpose of our sponsorship programme: to create lasting connections between companies that share common values and a desire to contribute to the development of Franco-Japanese relations.
An unexpected encounter that became a true friendship
It all began during a pilgrimage to Notre-Dame d'Akita. It was there that Félix Portier, CEO of NASKEO, and Marc Glaisse, founder of Marc&Co, first met. Despite operating in very different industries, they immediately connected.
"Our relationship started with a chance encounter that gradually turned into a genuine friendship," they explain.
They quickly discovered that they shared many values: a passion for entrepreneurship, an appetite for new projects and a strong commitment to fostering exchanges between France and Japan. A relationship built on trust developed and, a few years later, naturally led them to work together.
Two different worlds, one shared commitment
On one side, NASKEO Environnement develops innovative renewable energy solutions. Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, the company is the exclusive distributor in Japan of agricultural biogas units designed by Biolectric. It supports Japanese dairy farms by transforming manure management into renewable energy and fertilizer.
On the other side, Marc&Co, founded in 2013 in Ashiya, showcases various aspects of French gastronomy in Japan through original concepts accessible to the general public. The company has developed several brands, including Glamourdise, dedicated to the world of Parisian macarons; Wafla, built around waffle croissants; and, more recently, Maïs Doré, a premium popcorn brand made from 100% French corn.
At first glance, biogas and popcorn have nothing in common. Yet their leaders share the same philosophy.
"Ultimately, we belong to the same world and help each other grow, demonstrating that there are French, or French-inspired, companies in Japan that truly deliver on their promises of quality," explains Félix.
When the best collaborations grow out of human connections
The opportunity to work together arose through a project linked to the French Embassy. This experience confirmed what they had already sensed: the strongest collaborations are often built on sincere relationships developed over time.
"Looking back, we would probably never have imagined that a simple encounter would lead us to work together a few years later," says Marc.
One anecdote perfectly illustrates this mindset. During the pilgrimage to Notre-Dame d'Akita, Marc took the initiative to prepare a buffet for all the participants and personally served each guest himself.
"The atmosphere he created that day encouraged people who had never spoken to each other to finally start conversations. Seeing him being both generous and humble left a strong impression on me. I immediately thought he was someone I would like to work with. Before business, this is the kind of spirit I look for: dedication, generosity and a genuine willingness to reach out to others."
Joining the CCIFJ Community
For Marc&Co, joining CCIFJ was an obvious choice. As a Japanese company deeply attached to its French roots, it aims to expand its professional network, meet other entrepreneurs and contribute to strengthening economic ties between France and Japan.
"CCIFJ seems to us to be the ideal environment for sharing experiences, developing partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration," says Marc.
For its part, NASKEO highlights the many benefits it has gained from being a member.
"Our business is highly specialized, and CCIFJ gives us access to a network of business leaders we would not otherwise meet. The sense of community among members is genuine and welcoming."
The company also emphasizes the value of CCIFJ's support services, particularly in recruitment, which provide meaningful assistance to French-minded organizations operating in Japan.
The story of NASKEO and Marc&Co is a great example of what the CCIFJ community can create. More than a simple recommendation, these kinds of relationships are what make our network so valuable: connections between companies from very different backgrounds, exchanges that transcend industries and collaborations that emerge where they are least expected.
Because beyond being a professional network, CCIFJ is above all a community that fosters meaningful encounters, encourages the sharing of experiences and creates lasting opportunities for collaboration between France and Japan.
