In a significant development for Japan's culinary landscape, renowned talents LiLiCo and Ryohei Odai have been appointed as the first official ambassadors of the Japan Food Coordinator Association (JFCA) starting May 2025. This move marks a new chapter in advocating for the future of people whose work revolves around food, aiming to inspire and support those in the food profession.
The JFCA, which has been pivotal in promoting food professionals and evolving food culture, has established the Food Coordinator Ambassador system to shed light on the role and value of food coordinators. These professionals contribute from various angles, including food development, presentation, and management, and they will now have prominent figures like LiLiCo and Ryohei to symbolize their ideals and reach a wider audience.
LiLiCo, born in Sweden and active as a film commentator and talent, is expected to utilize her rich expressive skills to offer "emotionally engaging culinary experiences" through table settings and food space design. Her background and passion for gourmet cooking makes her an ideal choice to lead this initiative, inspiring many with her distinct style that merges Swedish culinary elements with a global outlook.
On the other hand, Ryohei Odai, a versatile talent and actor with roots in Kawanishi City, Hyogo, is known for his engaging presence on location shoots across Japan. With his natural perspective and rapport with local communities, he will introduce regional attractions, expanding interest in local food, agriculture, and culture.
The first project for the duo took place on May 25, during the JFCA's annual gathering at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, where LiLiCo showcased a special table setting titled "Summer Sparkle: Balcony Lunch." This design reflected the idea of accessible luxury in urban living, and participants were thrilled, noting, "I didn’t know such a world existed!" Such feedback demonstrates their potential to influence and inspire a new appreciation for food in daily life.
"Food is a lifestyle and a story," LiLiCo emphasized, illustrating the couple's commitment to crafting a new narrative in the culinary world, and urging everyone to keep an eye on their upcoming initiatives.
Looking ahead, LiLiCo will be involved in the 'TALK Table Exhibition 2025' organized by the NPO Food Space Coordination Association on June 21-22, where she will be representing the JFCA. Meanwhile, Ryohei will continue to report on local food ingredients discovered during his travels, bridging the gap between various regions and their culinary offerings.
With these distinguished ambassadors at the helm, the Japan Food Coordinator Association is poised to embark on a journey that promises to redefine the culinary scene, highlighting the artistry and passion behind each meal, and encouraging more people to explore the stories food has to tell.