#Japan #Tokyo #City Promotion #OFF TOKYO #Wakayama Ramen

Exploring Wakayama Ramen: A Cultural Fusion Event in Tokyo

On December 12, 2025, a remarkable event titled 'Discover the Charm of Wakayama City: Introducing You to Wakayama Ramen!' took place at OFF TOKYO, organized by Shibire Co., Ltd. This initiative, in collaboration with the Wakayama City City Promotion Division, aimed to present the unique local delicacy of Wakayama ramen to a Tokyo audience while fostering a vibrant connection between the two regions.

Bridging the Gap Between Online and Offline Experiences

Recognizing that simply sharing information may not effectively engage diverse audiences, Shibire crafted a program that emphasized the transition from 'knowing' to 'experiencing.' In the lead-up to the event, multiple videos featuring the preparation process and background of Wakayama City were released on their official YouTube channel, 'Wakayama City Life.' These videos provided insights into the local culture and the efforts of city officials involved in promotion.

The event featured a combination of engaging activities, including a talk session with officials from the city hall and newcomers to the area serving as regional revitalization support team members. They shared firsthand experiences of living in Wakayama City while attendees sampled an array of ramen dishes.

A Taste of Wakayama: Unique Dishes and Participant Interaction

At the event, participants enjoyed traditional Wakayama ramen alongside two creative variations devised by city officials. A highlight was a taste-testing experience that included a voting segment where attendees could vote for their favorite ramen creation. This interactive feature not only enhanced the fun but also created a meaningful connection between the guests and the local cuisine.

In addition to the distinctive dishes—like a crepe and a fresh spring roll inspired by the original ramen—guests expressed their enjoyment and eagerness to learn more about the culture of Wakayama. Feedback from participants included comments such as, 'I would love to attend events that connect me further with Wakayama City,' and 'This event made me realize Wakayama still has so much to offer.' Others indicated plans to visit Wakayama specifically for its ramen and the local green soft serve ice cream.

Future Directions for City Promotion

This event exemplified a new approach to city promotion, creating an ‘entry point’ for individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the region. By marrying online video content with hands-on experiences—like tasting food and meaningful conversations—attendees were invited into the world of Wakayama, not just through media but through personal engagement.

In moving forward, Shibire intends to build on this innovative model of combining digital communication and real-life interactions, providing opportunities for fostering relationships between people and places. They aim to develop richer promotional strategies that highlight local charms while involving the community in dynamic ways.

Event Details

The event 'Discover the Charm of Wakayama City: Introducing You to Wakayama Ramen!' occurred on December 12, 2025, from 18:30 to 20:30 at OFF TOKYO, located at 21-1 Kodenmachō, Chūō City, Tokyo. The event was hosted by Shibire Co., Ltd, in collaboration with Wakayama City's City Promotion Division. The lineup featured local revitalization support teams and officials from Wakayama City, including Shinji Ōtani, Local Director of Wakayama City Life.

Shibire Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo's Chūō District, with a branch office in Wakayama City. Established in January 2016, the company specializes in regional revitalization efforts, promotional support services, video distribution, system development, and creative productions. Their mission is to connect people and places through interactive experiences.