JICA Invites Latin American Food Business Leaders to Fukushima to Boost Exports of Local Produce

Strengthening Ties with Latin America: JICA's Initiative in Fukushima

In an effort to promote international cooperation and strengthen trade ties, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has invited nine prominent leaders from the food business sectors of Argentina and Mexico to Fukushima. This initiative, which commenced on July 10, aims to enhance the export potential of Japanese food products, particularly from Fukushima, by facilitating direct engagement with local businesses and production sites.

JICA, established under Japan's post-war immigration policies, has a long history of supporting the Nikkei communities in South America. The agency now seeks to build on these relationships as interest in Japanese culture and cuisine surges within these communities. The demand for Japanese food and ingredients is rapidly increasing, positioning this market as a promising area for growth.

One significant challenge facing the export of Japanese food products is diversifying their markets. In response, JICA is leveraging its established networks within the Nikkei community in South America to explore new markets for Japanese products and stimulate regional economic revitalization.

During this guest program, the invited business leaders will explore various aspects of the food production and processing activities in Fukushima. This is not only a learning opportunity but also a platform for networking with local businesses. Group discussions and a specific event dubbed the “Argentina-Mexico Nikkei Business Exchange Meeting” will be held, aiming to create concrete collaboration plans for expanding sales channels once they return to their home countries.

The nine leaders, upon their return, are expected to leverage their significant influence and capacity for communication to promote the appeal and quality of Japanese products. Press inquiries for interviews with these business leaders regarding their impressions of Fukushima products, market demand, and future business plans can be directed to the provided contact point before 5 PM on the day prior to the desired interview date.

Schedule and Program Details

Interview Period: July 10 (Thursday) - July 12 (Saturday)

Language: Japanese/Spanish (Interpreters available)

Main Program: Business Exchange Meeting

July 10 (Thursday)

Time	Event	Details	Address

---	-------------	-------------	---------

10:00 - 12:00	“Business Exchange Meeting with the Argentinian and Mexican Nikkei Communities”	Networking with 45 local business representatives	Hotel Hamatsu, Koriyama, Fukushima

14:15 - 15:45	Hōraiya Main Store	Sales of sweet sake, miso, and pickled products	54-2 Kanaya, Tamura, Koriyama

16:30 - 18:00	Kuboki Tatami Store - Tatami Village	Sales of tatami mats, coasters, trays, etc.	55 Nakano, Sukagawa

July 11 (Friday)

Time	Event	Details	Address

---	-------------	-------------	---------

10:30 - 11:10	Disaster Heritage - Namie Town Public Elementary School	The only disaster heritage school building in Fukushima	56 Mitsuhira, Namie

11:20 - 12:20	East Japan Great Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum	Exhibition of the earthquake, tsunami, nuclear accident, and reconstruction	39 Nakano, Futaba

13:45 - 14:45	Michi no Eki Namie	Purchase of local products; pottery and sake brewery experiences	60 Ikesebashi, Namie

15:30 - 17:00	Iwaki Fishing Port	Core area for the fishing industry in central Hamadori	12 Nakajima, Namie

July 12 (Saturday)

Time	Event	Details	Address

---	-------------	-------------	---------

09:15 - 09:45	Michi no Eki Aizu	Sales of traditional foods and crafts	78-1 Sano-me, Yukawa

10:15 - 12:15	Akebono Sake Brewery	Celebrating 120 years of operation and international exports	2 Inui, Aizubashyakata

Key Interviewees

During the program, interviews will be available with the leaders, including:
1. Lorena Banina Nonaka, President of a Nikkei restaurant in Argentina: She aims to leverage her experiences during the visit to expand the presence of Japanese products in local culinary events.
2. Jin Heraro Murafuji, Manager of TOA Corporation: Focusing on the importation and wholesale distribution of Asian foods, particularly Japanese cuisine.
3. Kido Ishikawa, Owner of Toyo Foods: Developing 35 stores throughout Mexico, implementing sales of Japanese and other Asian consumables.

For any inquiries regarding potential interviews with these nine leaders or further details about the program, please reach out directly.

Together, JICA and the Nikkei leaders anticipate forging stronger connections and enhancing the profile of Fukushima’s food products on the international stage.