Taiwan's Pavilion at FOODEX JAPAN 2026: A Culinary Showcase

FOODEX JAPAN 2026: Celebrating Taiwanese Cuisine

As excitement builds for FOODEX JAPAN 2026, the Taiwan Pavilion recently held a press conference on March 9 to preview the culinary delights that will be showcased at the event from March 10 to March 13. The press conference highlighted Taiwan's rich food culture and its commitment to fostering connections between Taiwan and Japan.

A Unique Cultural Experience

The event started with a special ambiance, featuring traditional Taiwanese rituals, such as the launching of lanterns to symbolize hopes for the future, alongside Japan's Daruma eye-painting ceremony. These unique performances set the tone for a celebration of cultural exchange through food. Notably, Taiwanese actor Yahata Akiko joined as a guest, participating in tasting sessions and engaging in discussions about Taiwanese delicacies. Her involvement added a star appeal to the event, making the atmosphere vibrant.

The Venue

Held at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Tokyo, the press conference showcased exhibits from various Taiwanese counties, displaying a range of local foods that captured the essence of Taiwanese gastronomy. The chairman of the Taiwan Trade Center, Huang Zhifang, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s participation at FOODEX JAPAN, which marks the 51st edition. With a record of 194 companies, 194 booths, and an exhibition space of 2,007 square meters, the Taiwan Pavilion aims to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with innovative and delicious Taiwanese foods.

A Culinary Journey Begins

The launch began with the symbolic lantern ceremony. Traditionally, Taiwanese people release lanterns into the sky on auspicious occasions, writing wishes for their future. During this ceremony, Chairman Huang accompanied by other dignitaries released lanterns, wishing for the success and safety of the Taiwan Pavilion. The event also featured engaging video presentations showcasing Taiwan's scenic beauty and culinary delights, thus vividly illustrating the appeal of Taiwanese food culture.

Emphasizing Quality and Innovation

In his remarks, Chairman Huang emphasized the importance of the Japanese market for Taiwan, highlighting the five principles guiding their business development: quality, safety, sustainability, health, and innovation. He noted Japan's stringent standards on quality and flavor, and expressed pride in Taiwan's long-standing history of participation in this event as a testament to the confidence in Taiwanese food. The collaboration with Grand Hyatt Tokyo on special menu items further symbolizes the harmonious relationship between Taiwan and Japan.

Dignitaries Highlighting Taiwanese Products

The press conference also featured several important speakers, including Li Yiyang, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan; Chen Junqi, Minister of the Council of Agriculture; and Ku Tsung-Kah, Deputy Minister of the Indigenous Peoples Committee. They spoke on the potential of Taiwanese products in the international market and the significance of food culture exchanges between Taiwan and Japan.

Taste of Taiwan with Yahata Akiko

One of the highlights of the press conference was Yahata Akiko's role as a special guest. She participated in the Daruma eye-painting ceremony to pray for the success of the Taiwan Pavilion. Following that, she took part in a talk session where she shared her fondness for Taiwanese food, emphasizing her love for bubble tea and expressing her desire to discover more delicious Taiwanese dishes.

Special Menu Showcased

During the event, a special menu featuring Taiwanese ingredients was unveiled in collaboration with the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The showcased dishes included: