Reception Commemorates: the 15th Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister’s Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food Given to Chef KIMURA Shigeo; Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador Appointment of Chef KASHIWABARA Seiichi
2022/10/20
On Oct. 17, Consul-General of Japan in Toronto SASAYAMA Takuya held a reception at his official residence to commemorate: the 15th Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister’s Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food given to Japanese Restaurant Association of Camada (JRAC) President KIMURA Shigeo; and the appointment of JRAC Director KASHIWABARA Seiichi as Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food is given to those who reside outside Japan and is contributing greatly to the promotion of Japanese food and food culture, as well as Japanese agricultural, forestry and fisheries food products with the aim of further expanding their export.
Chef Kimura moved to Toronto in 1973. Since opening his own eatery in 1978, he has maintained a successful career in the Japanese restaurant business for over 40 years. He helped establish JRAC in 2004, and was appointed Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. JRAC has held an annual Washoku Matsuri (Japanese Cuisine Festival) since 2019, its members each year providing the Japanese food, sake and beer for the occasion. A cooperative exchange with Japan’s Ehime Prefecture started in 2018.
Chef Kimura with Consul-General Sasayama
Chef Kashiwabara with Consul-General Sasayama
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food is given to those who reside outside Japan and is contributing greatly to the promotion of Japanese food and food culture, as well as Japanese agricultural, forestry and fisheries food products with the aim of further expanding their export.
Chef Kimura moved to Toronto in 1973. Since opening his own eatery in 1978, he has maintained a successful career in the Japanese restaurant business for over 40 years. He helped establish JRAC in 2004, and was appointed Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. JRAC has held an annual Washoku Matsuri (Japanese Cuisine Festival) since 2019, its members each year providing the Japanese food, sake and beer for the occasion. A cooperative exchange with Japan’s Ehime Prefecture started in 2018.
Chef Kimura with Consul-General Sasayama
As well, the title of Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, which was conferred to Chef Kashiwabara, is given to those capable of providing appropriate consultation to professionals working with Japanese cuisine and food culture in Japan and internationally, thereby engaging in further promoting their appeal overseas.
Chef Kashiwabara first moved to Ottawa in 1986 then developed his career in Toronto from 1991. He opened his restaurant in Markham in 2000, which has been in successful operation for over 20 years. In addition to helping Japanese chefs who work overseas gain independence through such activities as supporting their visa applications, he has helped promote Japanese cuisine and food culture for many years as Director of JRAC. He will hopefully continue developing appreciation of all that is appealing about Japanese food in the future.
Chef Kashiwabara first moved to Ottawa in 1986 then developed his career in Toronto from 1991. He opened his restaurant in Markham in 2000, which has been in successful operation for over 20 years. In addition to helping Japanese chefs who work overseas gain independence through such activities as supporting their visa applications, he has helped promote Japanese cuisine and food culture for many years as Director of JRAC. He will hopefully continue developing appreciation of all that is appealing about Japanese food in the future.
Chef Kashiwabara with Consul-General Sasayama