#Japan #Osaka #Osaka Gas #byFood #TableCross

Promoting Culinary Experiences for Foreign Visitors in Japan

TableCross, led by CEO Kaoru Jobo, and Osaka Gas Corporation, headed by President Masataka Fujiwara, have joined forces to develop culinary experience programs aimed at foreign visitors to Japan. This collaboration is rooted in the need to capture inbound demand related to food, and both companies have signed a business contract to support this initiative.

Osaka Gas Cooking School, a subsidiary of Osaka Gas, will host cooking classes that allow foreign visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese food culture. Reservations for these cooking classes are now open through TableCross’ gourmet platform, byFood.

Background of the Collaboration

Japan's food culture has recently gained international attention, driven by the recognition of Washoku as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a growing health consciousness among consumers worldwide. Foreign visitors to Japan express a keen interest not just in tasting authentic Japanese food, but also in experiencing the process of cooking it themselves. The popularity of cooking classes and food experience programs has surged, particularly for cuisines such as sushi and ramen. There’s also increasing demand for traditional recipes that incorporate vegan options and fermented foods, reflecting a deeper engagement with cultural food heritage.

With the upcoming 2025 World Expo and integrated resort openings in the Kansai region, it is expected that more foreign visitors will travel to this area. By creating new food experiences, this collaboration aims not only to enhance tourism but also to promote Japan's traditional food culture on a global scale, while establishing a sustainable business model among the three companies involved.

Objectives and Overview of the Collaboration

Initiated as a pilot project, a cooking class is scheduled for November 21, with reservations starting from November 7. This collaboration combines the global perspective and outreach of TableCross with the operational expertise of Osaka Gas Cooking School to facilitate easier access for foreign visitors to participate in culinary experiences. Feedback gathered from participant surveys during these classes will provide valuable insights into their preferences, driving the development of more engaging food experiences.

Osaka Gas Cooking School has previously hosted cooking workshops for groups of foreign visitors, and this partnership aims to introduce serious cooking classes targeted at individuals. Additionally, the collaboration will contribute to fostering cross-cultural exchange and promoting sustainable tourism through various initiatives:

• - Promoting Japanese Traditional Food Culture: Creating opportunities to share Japan's food culture with foreign audiences through cooking experiences.
• - Encouraging International Exchange: Providing a platform for interaction between foreign visitors and Japanese instructors.
• - Using Local and Seasonal Ingredients: Advocating for the use of local produce and recipes that leverage seasonal ingredients.
• - Fostering Culinary Diversity: Developing menus that cater to differing dietary laws and habits, ensuring broader participation.
• - Utilizing a Social Contribution-Driven Platform: TableCross collaborates with NPOs to donate nutritious school lunches equivalent to ten meals for every reservation made through byFood.

This collaboration blends the more than 100 years of culinary teaching expertise of Osaka Gas Cooking School with the outreach of TableCross's gourmet platform, byFood. Through this partnership, they aim to broadcast Japan's food culture internationally and deepen mutual understanding while establishing a model for sustainable tourism.

Details of the Cooking Classes

The cooking classes will focus on iconic Kansai dishes, such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Sushi, and Ramen, allowing participants to enjoy hands-on cooking under professional guidance. Furthermore, gluten-free and vegan-friendly menus will be developed, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Features of the Experience:

• - Small Class Sizes: Allowing individual tourists to join comfortably.
• - English Support: Instruction and recipes available in English with the assistance of interpreters.
• - Cultural Insights: Participants will learn about the regional history and background related to each dish.
• - Tasting and Interaction: Enjoying the prepared dishes while interacting with instructors and fellow attendees.

Reservations can be made through the foreign visitor-focused platform, byFood. Participants are encouraged to confirm their preferred dishes and any food allergies prior to the experience.

Future Developments

Moving forward, the three companies will explore the needs and interests of foreign visitors regarding food experiences in Japan through this initiative. They aim to enhance the variety of cooking classes and develop programs aimed at residents from abroad.

About byFood

byFood is a specialized platform designed to promote gastronomic tourism through unique Japanese gourmet experiences and food culture for foreign visitors. It serves as a comprehensive support system, providing information on Japanese food culture in English and enabling bookings for culinary experiences and dining establishments throughout Japan.

• - Service Website: byFood
• - YouTube Channel: Japan by Food

Partner Companies

1. Osaka Gas Corporation
- Representative: President Masataka Fujiwara
- Location: 4-1-2 Hiranocho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
- Website

2. Osaka Gas Cooking School
- Representative: President Tetsu Matsuura
- Location: 4-4-11 Awajimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
- Website

3. TableCross
- Representative: CEO Kaoru Jobo / COO Tosho Serkan
- Location: 5-27-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Website