Culinary Exchange Event in Hokkaido: A Celebration of Local Gastronomy

Inaugural Culinary Exchange Event in Hokkaido

The Collège Culinaire du Japon (CCJ) is thrilled to announce its first-ever culinary exchange event in Hokkaido, taking place on July 16, 2025. This gathering will be hosted at the exquisite Restaurant L’enfant qui rêva in Sapporo, under the guidance of Chef Hiroshi Nakamichi, owner of the renowned Restaurant Molière. This event aims to deepen ties between local producers, restaurant owners, chefs, and cultural advocates through the celebration of Hokkaido's rich food culture and ingredients.

Venue Details

Nestled within Moere Numa Park, Restaurant L’enfant qui rêva embodies the concept “This land exists thanks to human wisdom.” Inspired by the joyful spirit of children running through the park, the restaurant offers a unique atmosphere that melds Hokkaido’s natural beauty with its culinary heritage. Attendees can look forward to savoring exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients, while networking and discovering new connections.

Event Schedule

- Date & Time: July 16, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM
- Location: Restaurant L’enfant qui rêva

Moere Numa Park, 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido

- Participation Fee: 10,000 JPY (including tax and beverages)

Program Outline

- 11:00 AM: Opening Remarks by Kenichi Isoda, Chairman of the HAL Foundation
- 11:25 AM: Screening of the film “The Samurai of the Earth”
- 1:10 PM: Lunch Begins, featuring a toast by Chef Hiroshi Nakamichi
- 3:00 PM: Closing Remarks (tentative)

Note: The program schedule is subject to change, so participants are advised to stay informed.

Film Screening

This culinary exchange will feature the screening of the film “The Samurai of the Earth”, as proposed by Chef Nakamichi. This film is based on the novel “Ishikari River” by Mutsuo Honjo, narrating the story of the Date family from the Akiu Iwate region who, after the Meiji Restoration, face challenges and humiliations as they venture into the fertile lands of Hokkaido. Through this artwork, Chef Nakamichi emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the efforts of our ancestors in building the present, highlighting a chance to reflect on the future of regional development and rich food culture.

On the day of the event, there will also be insights shared by Kenichi Isoda, former vice-governor of Hokkaido and Chairman of the HAL Foundation, about the film and its relevance to regional identity and culture.

Noteworthy Guests

Among the attendees will be Jean Médicin, the esteemed Chief Advisor of CCJ, and Katsuhiro Nakamura, a special advisor and Honorary Executive Chef of the Japan Hotel Association. They will discuss CCJ's initiatives as well as industry challenges in Japan's food sector, providing a comprehensive perspective drawn from their extensive experiences.

How to Reserve and Inquire

For reservations or inquiries, please reach out to the Collège Culinaire du Japon (CCJ):

- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 03-5213-4316
- Website: ccjapon.org

About The Collège Culinaire du Japon

Founded in 2011, the Collège Culinaire has roots in France, established by a group of 15 illustrious chefs, including Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon. Its mission is to promote and preserve the artisanal skills associated with culinary arts, enhancing their value worldwide. The CCJ aims to support promotion and networking among food producers and stakeholders in Japan, organizing various culinary exchange events across the country, each designed to foster dialogue and innovation in the gastronomic community.