Collaborative Agreement Between Nanao City and ABC Cooking Studio to Promote Sustainable Regional Development

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development

In a significant move aimed at bolstering sustainable regional development and tourism, Nanao City in Ishikawa Prefecture has signed a collaboration agreement with ABC Cooking Studio, a leading culinary school with a strong presence in Japan and across Asia. The agreement was formalized on May 1, during a signing ceremony attended by Nanao's Mayor Yoshitaka Chatani and CEO Narumi Shimura of ABC Cooking Studio.

The partnership seeks to enhance the appeal of local ingredients and expand their market reach. One of the strategic aims is to leverage Nanao City’s tourism resources to boost its brand recognition and economic vitality. Mayor Chatani expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it serves not only to increase visitor numbers but also to strengthen community ties by utilizing the region's rich food resources.

According to the agreement, the two parties will engage in multiple collaborative efforts. These include:
1. Promoting tourism by increasing both the number and engagement of visitors.
2. Enhancing the appeal and market distribution of local food ingredients.
3. Facilitating personnel exchanges and training programs.
4. Advocating for nutrition education and health initiatives.
5. Disseminating information regarding food and its cultural significance.
6. Stimulating regional revitalization through various culinary activities.
7. Any additional areas deemed necessary through mutual discussions.

ABC Cooking Studio has already established a community-centric initiative called the "Satoyama Satoumi Kitchen", which aims to promote local food consumption, food education, and collaborative cooking lessons with local businesses. This project reflects the studio's commitment to being a central hub for residents of all ages to gather and learn together.

During the signing ceremony, CEO Narumi Shimura emphasized the studio's dedication to fostering regional economic development and sustainable practices through culinary engagements. ABC Cooking Studio is renowned for its mission to spread joy and the importance of home-cooked meals across cultures. With over 1.7 million members worldwide, it offers a variety of services, including cooking classes for both children and adults, media projects for local enterprises, and personnel support for municipalities through its ABC Job Studio.

As Nanao City rebounds from the 2023 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, this partnership offers a creative pathway for recovery, harnessing culinary arts to rebuild and revitalize the local economy. The collaboration aims to create new opportunities for residents while promoting the area's culinary heritage and local products.

ABC Cooking Studio has been expanding its reach globally since its international debut in 2010, extending its operations into multiple countries across Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. As the largest cooking school in the world, ABC Cooking Studio adheres to its philosophy of creating tables filled with smiles worldwide, emphasizing the enjoyment and importance of homemade food as a way to nurture connections both locally and globally.

The agreement signifies a commitment from both parties to collaborate on initiatives that enhance Nanao’s economic landscape while promoting sustainability. Together, they are poised to shape a vibrant community centered around cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange, setting a precedent for other cities and organizations aiming for similar aspirations.