JCC E-Magazine August 2018

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda giving his opening remarks.

The exclusive Rikuzentakata City Promotional Event was held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Tuesday, 10th July 2018. This event was held in conjunction with the World Cities Summit in Singapore, and showcased the delicious food and sake of Rikuzentakata City, as well as the story of its recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. Rikuzentakata’s delicacies such as “Koi-suru Tomato”, “Takata no Yume” and local sake (Suisen), were served to guests. There was also a panel exhibition featuring photos of the city’s recovery.

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda commenced the event by welcoming guests. Rikuzentakata City Mayor Mr Futoshi Toba also gave his welcome remarks. After which, Mr Paul Tange presented a toast to everyone. Mr Tange was the architect who designed the community hall built in Rikuzentakata City with the donations from the Singapore public, following the 2011 tragedy. After that, Chef Shuhei Nitta gave his brief remarks about the delicious food which was prepared with fresh ingredients from Rikuzentakata. Following which, Mr Murakami from Suisen Sake Inc. introduced more about their company as well as the four types of sake which was served to everyone.

Rikuzentakata City Mayor Mr Futoshi Toba giving his welcome remarks.

During the event.

During the event, a video featuring Rikuzentakata’s recovery from the disaster as well as the special friendship with Singapore, was also shown. Mr Toba gave further comments on how they wish to build an official replica statue of the Merlion at the entrance of the community hall, in order for outside visitors to be better aware of Singapore’s contributions to Rikuzentakata. They are aiming to complete this project before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, as Rikuzentakata will be playing host to the Singapore Olympic Delegation.

Ms Risa Nishimura, President of Follow Me Japan, also presented about their ongoing tours to Rikuzentakata. Thus far, they have brought 4 groups of Singaporeans to the city, and they plan on continuing their efforts. At the end, Mr Kiyoshi Murakami, Senior Executive Advisor of Rikuzentakata City, gave his closing remarks. Guests were given goodie bags filled with Rikuzentakata’s specialty products. Through this promotional event, we hope that guests have a better understanding of Rikuzentakata’s recovery and the city’s unique charms.

Sake from Rikuzentakata City.

During the event.		Mr Paul Tange, giving his remarks with a toast, together with H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda, Rikuzentakata City Mayor Mr Futoshi Toba, and Mr Kiyoshi Murakami, Senior Executive Advisor of Rikuzentakata City.
Mr Murakami from Suisen Sake Inc. during his presentation.		Ms Risa Nishimura, President of Follow Me Japan, during her presentation.
During the event.		Delicacies from Rikuzentakata City.
Delicacies from Rikuzentakata City.		Panel exhibition.

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