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The Ambassador's visit aims to fulfill the mission of exchange, connection, and dissemination of the best practices between the two countries; to open up opportunities for understanding and empathy regarding culture between the people of Vietnam and Japan, reflecting the theme of the year of diplomatic relations: "Vietnam and Japan walk hand in hand, towards the future, reaching the world."
Furthermore, in a year full of significance: Vietnam attracted international attention when Michelin – the "Oscars" of the culinary industry – made its first appearance here; and we were honored to welcome Japanese culinary culture ambassador Tomisawa. This not only affirms and elevates the position of Vietnamese cuisine on the world map, but also demonstrates the interest of leading experts in Vietnamese cuisine.
With the theme "Taste of Japan," the Ambassador's visit will take him through three cities and include a series of special activities in Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ha Long (Quang Ninh). These are three cultural centers that clearly demonstrate the unique characteristics of cultural exchange and integration between Vietnam and other countries.
The festival begins in Hanoi and will travel through the provinces of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh to promote and introduce the finest aspects of Japanese cuisine to Vietnamese people.
Special guests attending the event included: Ambassador Yamada Takio - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam; Dr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Dr. Dinh Minh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mirestop World Culinary System; Chef Kyo Nguyen, Head Chef of Hatoyama Japanese restaurant system; Chef Fuku Nguyen (Nguyen Ba Phuoc) - the first Vietnamese person and the 9th foreigner in the world to receive the "Taste of Japan" Gold Badge awarded by the Japanese Government.
Distinguished guests and those who made the "Taste of Japan" cultural and culinary exchange event a success, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.
At the event, Ambassador Yamada Takio, the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vietnam, shared: “Personally, I served as the Japanese Ambassador to UNESCO before coming to Vietnam to take up my term. Given the popularity of Japanese cuisine abroad, in December 2013, 'Washoku, meaning the traditional culinary culture of the Japanese people,' was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The preamble of the UNESCO Convention states: 'War arises in the minds of men, so it is necessary to build the fortress of peace in the minds of men.' Mutual understanding will flourish through cultural exchange, especially culinary exchange, and is an indispensable element in building friendly relations between nations and between people. In the field of cuisine, Japan and Vietnam have many similarities, considering their diverse characteristics such as the blessings of nature, seasonal fruits, and events held throughout the year.”
It can be said that culinary culture is the foundation of the rapidly developing Japan-Vietnam relationship. Today's event is held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam. As the Japanese Ambassador, I am very pleased that this event connects and further promotes Japanese culinary culture."
The festival involves cutting open a giant bluefin tuna, wishing good luck and prosperity to everyone.
The "Taste of Japan" festival also kicks off a series of meaningful activities by the culinary ambassador Tomisawa in Vietnam. The event will share Japanese cuisine with Vietnamese diners and introduce and showcase one of the most unique festivals in the Land of the Rising Sun: the festival of slicing a giant bluefin tuna, wishing good luck and prosperity to everyone.
At the festival, Ambassador Tomisawa will share about the top-valued qualities of Japanese bluefin tuna, and then perform the ritual of presenting a fish-cutting knife – one of the most sacred tools of a chef – to Chef Kyo Nguyen, Head Chef of the Hatoyama restaurant system, as an act of inspiration and to spread the message of cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan.
Ambassador Yamada Takio, the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vietnam, and Dr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, witnessed the festival of butchering a giant bluefin tuna.
In addition, from July 24th to 28th, a series of kaiseki culinary events – celebrating the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine – will be held at seven restaurants within the Hatoyama Japanese restaurant chain.
On July 29th, Ambassador Tomisawa will attend the grand opening of OKITA Japanese Buffet Restaurant, the first restaurant in Vietnam owned by Gold Medal Chef Fuku Nguyen (Nguyen Ba Phuoc) - a close protégé of the Ambassador.
Japanese culinary culture ambassador Tomisawa Hirokazu and Gold Medal Chef Fuku Nguyen – his student.
