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Enhancing Local Food Culture: The Partnership Between Yamanashi and ABC Cooking Studio

In a remarkable initiative, Yamanashi Prefecture has officially partnered with ABC Cooking Studio, renowned for its gourmet cooking lessons offered across Japan and in various countries throughout Asia. The collaboration aims to enhance the region's food culture, boost tourism, and elevate the overall brand value of Yamanashi's culinary offerings.

The collaboration agreement was signed on February 10 at the Yamanashi Prefectural Office, marking a significant milestone in promoting both parties' rich assets. During the signing ceremony, Yamanashi's Governor, Koutaro Nagasaki, and ABC Cooking Studio's CEO, Narumi Shimura, engaged in a promising exchange of ideas aimed at leveraging culinary arts to foster local community engagement and provide educational opportunities.

Objectives and Benefits of the Agreement

Under this partnership, both Yamanashi Prefecture and ABC Cooking Studio will seek to achieve the following objectives:

1. Enhance Yamanashi's Brand Value: By utilizing local produce and culinary traditions, their joint efforts will aim to bolster the branding of Yamanashi as a culinary destination, attracting both local and international tourists alike.

2. Cooking Classes: The agreement intends to create opportunities for cooking classes targeting children and residents, offering practical learning experiences that celebrate local cuisine. These initiatives are not just about cooking; they are designed to foster community bonds and a love for cooking among the next generation.

3. Revitalize Local Communities: Through focused outreach and engagement, the partnership seeks to contribute to community revitalization efforts, improving the quality of life for residents and boosting local businesses.

Governor Koutaro Nagasaki expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am truly delighted to finalize this agreement with ABC Cooking Studio, a leader in culinary education. Our partnership is a unique opportunity to combine ABC's expertise with Yamanashi's rich culinary heritage, further elevating our food brand value and promoting tourism. We are committed to creating new food cultures and highlighting the distinct flavors of our region."

On the other side, Narumi Shimura, CEO of ABC Cooking Studio, shared her thoughts, "It is an honor to celebrate our 40th anniversary with such a meaningful collaboration. This agreement will allow us to showcase the allure of Yamanashi's food, contribute to tourism, and ensure that Yamanashi’s culinary heritage is preserved and celebrated for future generations. We believe in the power of food to connect people and create vibrant communities."

ABC Cooking Studio: A Leader in Culinary Education

Founded 40 years ago, ABC Cooking Studio is one of the world’s largest cooking schools, boasting around 1.72 million members globally. They have expanded their reach across Japan and Southeast Asia, including locations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Their philosophy, "Bringing smiles to dining tables around the world," reflects their commitment to teaching cooking skills to students of varying ages, enhancing the understanding and joy of homemade meals.

Their diverse offerings include a broad range of cooking, baking, and pastry classes, as well as specialty programs aimed at showcasing local ingredients through unique recipe developments. Furthermore, ABC Cooking Studio engages in local revitalization efforts through promotional media projects and has launched ABC JOB STUDIO, which provides staffing support for businesses and municipalities.

Through this partnership, both Yamanashi Prefecture and ABC Cooking Studio are taking a proactive step towards fostering a deeper appreciation for culinary arts while igniting local pride in their rich food culture. As these initiatives unfold, anticipation builds for the vibrant community and tourism landscape that will emerge from this collaborative effort, paving the way for a deliciously promising future in Yamanashi.