JAKARTA, 14 February 2025 – Today, the Japan Mission to ASEAN hosted the 6th Japanese Food Lecture and Demonstration Event at the ASEAN Secretariat. Ambassador Kiya Masahiko opened the event with an opening remark, followed by remarks from Deputy Secretary-General for Community and Corporate Affairs Nararya S. Soeprapto, and Melody Laksani, ASEAN-Japan Goodwill Ambassador for Food and Agriculture.
At this event, Chef Shimada of the Okuzono restaurant, based in Jakarta, provided a lecture on Osechi Ryori, a traditional Japanese New Year Cuisine. He explained that osechi ryori is more than just a dish; it also symbolises good luck, health and prosperity, with each ingredient and cooking method having its own meaning. Participants enjoyed the various Japanese traditional dishes that were served at the event.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and their representatives. Among the notable attendees was Ambassador Natercia Coelho da Silva of the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to ASEAN in Indonesia, as well as numerous other high-level officials and guests. The strong attendance underscored the interest in Japanese culture and the importance of fostering cultural exchange within the ASEAN community.
This 6th Japanese Food Lecture and Demonstration Event further strengthens the cultural ties between Japan and ASEAN, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation through the shared language of food.
