Experience 100 Years of Food Culture at the Summit and Marche in Tokyo

Celebrating 100 Years of Food Culture

The Japanese Cultural Agency is proud to announce the upcoming '100-Year Food & Food Culture Museum Summit and Marche'. This exceptional series of events will not only showcase local efforts to promote regional culinary traditions but also provide participants the chance to taste and experience these rich food cultures firsthand.

Event Overview

The upbeat Summit will be held on February 27, 2026, at the prestigious Tokyo Transportation Hall, located in Chuō-ku, Tokyo. Participants can either attend in person or join online via Zoom. The event aims to emphasize the importance of preserving and promoting Japan's diverse food cultures that have been passed down through generations, aptly labeling it '100-Year Food'. By doing so, the Cultural Agency hopes to inspire communities and individuals to engage in their culinary heritage.

Attendees will be able to learn from various case studies on local initiatives and the cultural significance of these practices. The Marche on February 28, 2026, will further enhance this experience by allowing visitors to interact with related products and taste local specialties brought together from across the country.

For Whom is This Event?

This event is particularly beneficial for:

- Local government officials involved in food, culture, and tourism.
- Community members interested in utilizing food culture for regional development.
- Representatives from food-related businesses and organizations.
- Researchers and students focused on food culture.
- Anyone fascinated by the culinary traditions of Japan and eager to explore these vibrant cultures.

Highlights of the Program

The Summit’s first session will include a keynote speech on experiential culinary tourism, focusing on how the environment, history, and traditions shape food culture. Esteemed speaker Naoko Sugiyama from the Gastronomy Tourism Institute will share insights on how these factors contribute to understanding regional identities.

Following the keynote, there will be an introduction of selected organizations certified as '100-Year Food & Food Culture Museum Supporters' for 2026. Awards will be presented to outstanding groups like Kenchoji Temple and the Tokyo University of Agriculture Museum. Moreover, notable supporter organizations from Soka University will also be acknowledged for their contributions.

The event will culminate in a panel discussion led by Akira Terano, Councilor of the Japan National Tourism Organization, featuring representatives from the award-winning institutions. They will discuss advanced examples of promoting food culture through community initiatives.

The networking session will allow for interaction and dialogue among certified organizations, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas and foster collaborations.

The Marche Experience

On the second day, the 'Marche' segment will transform Tokyo Transportation Hall into a vibrant marketplace celebrating Japan’s culinary heritage. From 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, visitors can purchase and taste local delicacies from 100-Year Food certified entities and other participating organizations.

In addition to traditional food stalls, a food truck will delight guests with regional specialties. Unique exhibitions and a simple survey will also be part of the event, offering prizes for participating attendees.

This two-day event will serve not only to educate and inspire community members about Japan's food culture but also to invigorate local economies by promoting food-related businesses.

Conclusion

The '100-Year Food & Food Culture Museum Summit and Marche' represents a significant step in sustaining Japan's culinary heritage for future generations. With free admission and an open call for participants until the day of the event, we encourage everyone passionate about food culture to join us and rediscover the rich tapestry of Japan’s food traditions.

For detailed information and registration, please visit Cultural Agency Official Website. Don't miss this chance to engage with esteemed experts and discover the flavors of Japan's cherished food culture!