An event to showcase Japanese food products was held on Monday at one of Europe's largest food shows held near Paris, with 14 Japanese prefectures showing off their local specialties.
The event, held during the Sial Paris 2024 food show on the outskirts of the French capital, was hosted by the Japanese National Governors' Association, the Japanese agriculture ministry and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). It was the first overseas public relations event hosted outside of Japan by the governors' association.
The participating prefectures showcased sake, beef, rice, confectionary, noodles, yuzu citrus and other local specialties, with people offering guests food products and explaining the standout characteristics.
"I've always thought that we need to promote (our food products) under an 'all-Japan' structure," said Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai, who heads the governors' association.
"I think (the event) was a massive success," he said, adding, "We hope to do something similar in South Korea next year."
Ishikawa Prefecture, which was hit by a major earthquake on Jan. 1, offered curry specially arranged for the European market.
Saying that a French buyer expressed interest in dealing in Ishikawa-made food products, Hiroshi Hamaie of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government added, "We're glad we participated (in the event)."
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