Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
Enjoy Japan's seasonal delicacies this autumn. "Local Produce Week" in November
The Food Action Nippon Promotion Headquarters, which brings together the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, private companies, organizations, and consumers to expand consumption of domestic agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, held a press conference on August 21 at the ministry's headquarters in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, to announce the name of its enhanced promotion week aimed at "creating and increasing various points of contact with domestic agricultural, forestry, and fishery products." The name is "Enjoy Japan's Seasonal Bounty. ~Domestic Produce Abundance Week~." It will be held from November 1st to 8th.
At the announcement, Minister of State for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ikuko Nakagawa (center left in photo) declared the name, while Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kazuyoshi Motokawa (center right in photo) explained the purpose: "We want to build a system where the products producers have carefully cultivated reach consumers properly."
Representing the Food Action Nippon Promotion Partners, seven companies and organizations (back row members in the photo) – Ajinomoto, Ito-Yokado, Kagome, Kanazawa Daichi, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, the Furano Omuraisu Promotion Council, and Monte Rosa – introduced their initiatives for the week. Distribution, retail, and manufacturing companies aim to create and increase opportunities to "buy" domestic agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Restaurants aim to create and increase opportunities to "eat" them. Schools, local governments, and NPOs aim to create and increase opportunities to "learn" about them.
Finally, the "Kokuson Tantan Hirome-tai" (Spread the Word About Domestic Produce Team) was announced to energize the week. Deputy Captain "Kokuson" (fourth from left in front row), the mascot character of Food Action Nippon, and team members Yoshimoto Comedians Cabbage Confirmation (third and fourth from right in photo) shared their enthusiasm. Additionally, the idol group Pink Babies (front row, third from left and second from right in photo), serving as the "Delicious Japan! Junior PR Ambassadors for Food" to disseminate information to children about the importance of food and agriculture and the appeal of Japanese cuisine, also rushed to the event to offer their support.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' food self-sufficiency rate for fiscal year 2014, the calorie-based rate remained unchanged at 39% compared to the previous year, marking the fifth consecutive year of stagnation. The value-based rate decreased by 1 percentage point from the previous year's 65% to 64%, hitting a record low.
Choosing and purchasing domestic agricultural, forestry, and fishery products contributes to improving the food self-sufficiency rate. The aim is to rediscover the appeal of domestic products nationwide and expand consumption by creating opportunities to buy, eat, and learn about seasonal ingredients during the "Domestic Produce Week" in the bountiful autumn season.
"Domestic Produce Week" Website
Domestic Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products Portal Site "Let's Eat Domestic!" Website
"Food Action Nippon" Website
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
