Awarding the Consul General’s Commendation to Michelin Star Chefs Mr. NAKAGAWA Ryusuke, Mr. Jackie Lin, Mr. IZUTSU Daisuke and Mr. SAITO Masaki

 
On November 17th, the Consul-General’s Commendation was awarded to four Michelin Star chefs (Mr. NAKAGAWA Ryusuke, Mr. Jackie Lin, Mr. IZUTSU Daisuke and Mr. SAITO Masaki) at the Consul-General’s official residence. The chefs were recognized for their Japanese cuisine in the first edition of the Michelin Guide for Toronto which was released in September of this year. The Consul-General’s Commendation honours people and organizations who have cooperated with the Consulate on its mission, and who have made outstanding contributions or good deeds worthy of recommendation.

The Japanese government has set a goal of increasing the exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs to two trillion yen (~$20 billion CAD) by 2025 and five trillion yen (~$50 billion CAD) by 2030. In order to find new export opportunities, the government is engaged in various efforts across the world.

Of the 13 restaurants that were awarded Michelin Stars in the 2022 Toronto Michelin Guide, five of them were Japanese restaurants, representing a remarkable achievement that once again demonstrates Japanese cuisine’s strong presence and provokes new interest. This has the effect of supporting the export of Japanese agricultural goods and culture, and has contributed significantly to the Consulate’s own efforts.

The Consul-General’s Commendation for Mr. HASHIMOTO Masaki, who was also awarded a Michelin Star in the 2022 Toronto Michelin Guide, will be conferred at a later date.