#Japan #Keisuke Matsushima #Mito Food Summit #Japan Food Culture #Mitoyoshi

Mito Food Summit 2026: A Platform for the Future of Food

Chef Keisuke Matsushima, a renowned French culinary expert, is set to host the Mito Food Summit on February 2, 2026, in the charming town of Mitoyoshi, Kagawa Prefecture. This annual event aims to re-evaluate the significance of food in our lives, discussing its impact on well-being, preventive medicine, philosophy, education, and business from a multitude of perspectives.

A Celebration of Culinary Excellence and Local Culture

The summit will bring together distinguished figures from various sectors, including scholars, business leaders, media representatives, politicians, and medical professionals, fostering engaging discussions. The event has been a sensational success each year, attracting thousands of participants and generating significant discourse around food and society.

Set against the backdrop of Mitoyoshi—known for its rich natural resources and cultural heritage—the 2026 summit promises to highlight the local cuisine and traditions. Through interactive sessions led by both domestic and international speakers, participants can expect an enriching day focused on the future of food in Japan.

Chef Matsushima's Vision

Reflecting on the upcoming event, Chef Matsushima expressed: "With the assistance of many wonderful collaborators, we are excited to bring the food summit to life once again. Hosting the summit in Mitoyoshi allows for a deep understanding of the area's charm and food culture. We hope to provide a fruitful experience for all attendees with help from everyone involved in the event planning."

Mitoyoshi City: A Transformation Through Community Efforts

Mitoyoshi has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from a modest tourist location in 2016 to a thriving tourist hub, drawing around 500,000 visitors yearly—a staggering increase from just 5,000 in a span of five years. Located at the western tip of Kagawa, the city has a rich history, flourishing during the Edo period thanks to its salt fields.

The city's recent growth can be attributed to dynamic collaborations among residents, businesses, and governmental bodies. Over 100 new projects have emerged in the past five to six years, stimulating mutual investments of around 3 billion yen, showcasing an impressive communal drive toward development.

Furthermore, the Seto Inland Sea adjacent to Mitoyoshi is famously known for its high-quality dried sardines, particularly from Ibukijima, known as the nation’s finest. These local ingredients will play a significant role in the summit, emphasizing the connection between community efforts, local produce, and future culinary trends.

Support and Innovation in Event Management

Kenta Kimura, the CEO of ITreat, the company assisting in organizing the event, noted: "I had the pleasure of collaborating with Chef Matsushima during the 2024 Food Summit in Nagoya. While it may seem unusual for a medical IT company to host a food event, our expertise in hospitality, operational excellence, and speed has led to our inclusion in this significant endeavor. We are honored to contribute to this important gathering."

Event Details and Expecting High Engagement

The summit will take place on February 2, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with registration opening at 9:00 AM. The venue will be located at Shanon in Mitoyoshi, providing an ideal setting for this exceptional gathering. Participants can look forward to a day filled with inspiring discussions and hands-on learning experiences.

Event Schedule:

• - 1st Session: "Reimagining Tourism through Our Mother Sea"
• - Lunch Break
• - 2nd Session: "Tasting the Challenge—Tides of Change"
• - 3rd Session: "Handcrafted Health: Thriving Locally"
• - 4th Session: "Shodoshima: Connecting Local and Geopolitical Feed"
• - 5th Session: "Philosophy in Action for Today's Challenges"
• - 6th Session: "Udon Prefecture: Reconstructing Tradition for Health"
• - Networking Dinner

The Mito Food Summit is a unique opportunity to delve into discussions on the future of food while experiencing the extraordinary culinary heritage of Kagawa. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot at this transformative event.