The Ambassador's visit aims to carry out the mission of exchanging - connecting - spreading the quintessence between the two countries; opening up opportunities for understanding and cultural empathy between the Vietnamese and Japanese people, demonstrating the theme of the year of diplomatic relations: "Vietnam - Japan together, towards the future, reaching the world".
In addition, in a meaningful year: Vietnam attracted international attention when Michelin - the "Oscar" in the culinary industry - was present here for the first time; we were honored to welcome Japanese culinary culture ambassador Tomisawa. This not only affirmed and raised the position of Vietnamese cuisine on the world map, but also demonstrated the interest of leading experts in Vietnamese cuisine.
With the theme "Taste of Japan", the Ambassador's visit will go through three cities and carry out a series of special activities in: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ha Long (Quang Ninh). These are three cultural centers, clearly showing the unique features of exchange and integration between Vietnam and other countries.
The festival opens in Hanoi and will travel through Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces to promote and introduce the quintessence 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 Cuisine System; Chef Kyo Nguyen, Head Chef of Hatoyama Japanese restaurant system; Chef Fuku Nguyen (Nguyen Ba Phuoc) - The first Vietnamese and the 9th foreigner in the world to receive the "Taste of Japan" Gold Badge issued by the Japanese Government.
Distinguished guests and creators of the cultural and culinary exchange event "Taste of Japan" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.
At the event, Ambassador Yamada Takio - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam shared: “Personally, I used to be the Japanese Ambassador to UNESCO before coming to Vietnam to take up my term. In the context of Japanese cuisine being very popular abroad, in December 2013, 'Washoku means traditional Japanese culinary culture' was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The preamble of the UNESCO Convention states: 'War is born in the mind of man, so it is in the mind of man that the fortress of peace must be built'. Mutual understanding will flourish through cultural exchange, especially culinary exchange, and is an indispensable factor in building friendly relations between countries and between people. In the field of cuisine, Japan and Vietnam have many similarities in terms of typical diversity such as the favors of nature, seasonal fruits and events held throughout the year.
It can be said that culinary culture is the foundation of the growing Japan-Vietnam relationship. Today's event is held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam. As the Japanese Ambassador, I am very pleased that this event will further promote Japanese culinary culture.
Giant Bluefin Tuna Cutting Festival, wishing luck and prosperity to everyone.
The “Taste of Japan” festival also opens a series of meaningful activities of Tomisawa Culinary Culture Ambassador in Vietnam. The event will share with Vietnamese diners about Japanese cuisine and introduce and perform one of the most unique festivals in the Land of the Rising Sun: the Giant Bluefin Tuna Cutting Festival, wishing luck and prosperity to everyone.
At the Festival, Ambassador Tomisawa will share about the top precious values of Japanese bluefin tuna, then perform the ceremony of giving a fish carving knife - one of the most sacred items of a chef - to Chef Kyo Nguyen, Head Chef of the Hatoyama restaurant chain, as an act of inspiration, spreading the message of cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan.
Ambassador Yamada Takio - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam and Dr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism witnessed the giant bluefin tuna cutting festival.
In addition, from July 24 to July 28, a series of kaiseki culinary events - a place to honor the quintessence of traditional Japanese culinary culture - will be held at 7 restaurants in the Hatoyama Japanese restaurant chain.
On July 29, Ambassador Tomisawa will attend the opening ceremony of OKITA Japanese Buffet Restaurant, the first restaurant in Vietnam by Gold Medal Chef Fuku Nguyen (Nguyen Ba Phuoc) - a close student of the Ambassador.
Japanese culinary culture ambassador Tomisawa Hirokazu and Gold Medal Chef Fuku Nguyen – his student.
