#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Cuisine #Planetary Health #KIGI

Embracing Planetary Health through Culinary Experience

On November 24th, 2025, KIGI in Tokyo is set to host an intriguing event called "Liberal Arts Dining." This event represents the first iteration of a series designed to explore food as a medium for learning and experience, driven by the vision of a sustainable future for both humanity and the Earth. The event is brought to life by Innovation Design, a company committed to addressing societal challenges through various operations, including food service, conceptual support, and events.

The event is organized in collaboration with Tenrai Co., a company that seeks to redefine planetary health through its initiatives. The guiding force behind this event is Dr. Risa Kirimura, a physician advocating for planetary health and the representative director of the Planetary Health Initiative. She will be joined by special guest Yasunobu Tamari, who has recently published a book on Japanese culinary anthropology. Together, they aim to engage participants in a discussion that intertwines health, food, and cultural practices.

What is Liberal Arts Dining?

Liberal Arts Dining offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding food, allowing participants to connect with the land, life, society, and the universe through a shared culinary experience. This event transforms the act of eating into a philosophical exploration and turns personal experiences into thoughtful discourse.

Participants will delve into the relationships between Japanese cuisine, regional landscapes, and happiness while enjoying locally-sourced meals that celebrate seasonal ingredients. The winter-themed menu features a range of dishes that highlight the culinary treasures of the Sea of Japan, enriched by unique local flavors.

Event Menu Highlights

At the heart of the event is a meticulously curated menu showcasing seasonal dishes made from fresh ingredients sourced from the Hokuriku region, which includes Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Niigata prefectures. Noteworthy dishes include:

• - "Shinmai" rice from Okufu Town, Tottori Prefecture
• - "Mimori" sake, made with rice and water from Okufu Town
• - "Tarajiru" (cod soup) from Asahi Town, Toyama Prefecture, featuring the essence of cod roe
• - "Shiohiki Salmon" from Murakami, Niigata
• - Female snow crabs prepared following local traditions (known as "Kabo" in Ishikawa and "Seiko Crab" in Fukui)
• - "Konkaiwashi" sardines from Himi, Toyama Prefecture

*Please note that menu offerings are subject to change.

Event Details

Date: November 24, 2025 (Monday, National Holiday)
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Doors open at 2:30 PM)
Location: KIGI, 2-10-2 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Price: 16,500 JPY (including lecture and meal)
Reservation: Available via Peatix

Schedule

• - 2:30 PM - Doors open & Registration
• - 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Lectures

- Introduction to Japanese Culinary Anthropology
- Insights from the Sea of Japan

• - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Dining Experience: Savor the delights of the Sea of Japan

Speaker Profiles

Yasunobu Tamari is a cultural anthropologist and the founder of the Context Design Institute. Acknowledged for his innovative work in revitalizing local branding and community initiatives, he participated in the establishment of the "Tohoku Taberu Tsushin" and has been active in facilitating knowledge through Japanese culinary anthropology.

Dr. Risa Kirimura is the leading figure of the Planetary Health Initiative, with a diverse background in medicine, particularly in preventative and palliative care. She founded Tenrai Co., emphasizing the importance of linking urban and local contexts in creating sustainable health systems.

A Commitment to Sustainability

At KIGI, the belief is that our health is intricately connected to the health of the planet. By re-evaluating sustainable food practices through the lens of planetary health, the restaurant aspires to foster an understanding of how personal nutrition can influence global well-being.

Through this event, we hope to expand our understanding of planetary health, encouraging individuals to consider their dietary choices as they relate to the future of our planet.

About the Organizers

KIGI is located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to promoting sustainable dining experiences. For more information, visit KIGI's official website or follow them on Instagram here.

Tenrai Co. brings together a team of professionals committed to shaping a holistic approach to planetary health. Learn more at Tenrai's official site.

Planetary Health Initiative focuses on achieving well-being for the entire Earth system through thoughtful economic and social infrastructure. Further details can be found at their website

Innovation Design aims to envision a brighter future for people and the planet through various innovative service models, including food operations. More information about their mission can be found at Innovation Design's site.