Photo session with Ambassador Takeuchi and Minister Moriyama |
|
As a kickoff event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations (SJ50) this year, Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF) hosted WAZA – Enjoy Taste of Japan Seminar and Reception at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Saturday, 9 January 2016. Featuring special cuisines prepared using fresh and air-flown Japanese agricultural, forestry and marine products such as Wagyu Japanese beef and strawberries, some 100 distinguished guests attended the reception and had the opportunity to experience OMOTENASHI – the spirit of Japanese hospitality and service first hand.
The reception was commenced by His Excellency Ambassador Haruhisa Takeuchi and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mr Hiroshi Moriyama. During the introductory speech, H.E. Ambassador Takeuchi and Minister Moriyama both mentioned about this year’s 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations (SJ50) and toasted to all the guests present. Chairman of the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council Mr Tsuyoshi Hishinuma, President of ANA Cargo Mr Akira Okada, Managing Director of Isetan Singapore Mr Lim Tien Chun, President of Yamato Transport Mr Yutaka Nagao, together with Miss International Singapore 2015 Ms Roxanne Zhang, who is also the Ambassador of Visit Japan Tourism, spoke at the reception as well. |
The reception was part of a two-day campaign by MAFF from 9 to 10 January at Isetan Scotts, which was designed to increase interest and promote services of Japanese food culture, as well as Japanese agricultural, forestry, and marine produce to Singapore. Through this campaign, the MAFF hopes to increase Japanese food exports to ASEAN countries with Singapore as the gateway.
During the event, all the guests also enjoyed a special appearance by Sansa Odori from Rikuzentakata City of Iwate Prefecture putting up an entertaining and lively Japanese traditional dance and drums performance. The group was here to express their gratitude to Singapore for assisting their city after being hit by the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
|
|
Guests listening at the event
|
Minister Moriyama’s opening remarks
|
Ambassador Takeuchi's welcoming speech
|
Guests mingling and enjoying the delectable delights
|
Guests mingling and enjoying the delectable delights
|
Guests mingling and enjoying the delectable delights
|
Servings of top grade Wagyu beef
|
Minister Moriyama speaking to the media
|
Guests mingling and enjoying the delectable delights
|
Servings of fresh strawberries and pastries
|
Guests mingling and enjoying the delectable delights
|
Servings of sushi of the highest quality
|
Ambassador Takeuchi and Ms. Roxanne Zhang, Miss Singapore International (Miss Visit Japan Tourism Ambasador)
|
Minister Moriyama interacting with the guests
|
Group photo with Ambassador Takeuchi and Sansa Odori
|
Sansa Odori performing in front of JCC
|
Group photo with Minister Moriyama
|
Sansa Odori performing in front of JCC
|
Sansa Odori performing in front of JCC
|
Minister Moriyama speaking to the performers
|
Minister Moriyama speaking to the performers
|