#Japan #Kumamoto #Culinary Event #Taiwan Cuisine

A Unique Culinary Journey from Taiwan to Kumamoto

Kumamoto City is set to showcase its rich agricultural and cultural heritage to Taiwanese residents living in the Tokyo area with two exciting events. Scheduled for February 8 and 9, 2026, these activities aim to deepen connections and highlight the unique flavors of Kumamoto.

Event Overview

The first of the two events, titled “Kumamoto Good Fun! Delicious Exploration Journey and Cultural Exchange,” will take place at K,D,C,,, in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This interactive experience will allow participants to enjoy a video presentation featuring popular influencers such as Nian Nian, a vibrant personality known for engaging content on Japanese culture. Nian Nian, alongside fellow influencer withing_korea, will share the highlights of their recent trip to Kumamoto, providing an intimate look at the region's beauty and attractions.

Influencer Engagement

Both influencers, with their substantial social media presence, will not only narrate their experiences but also engage attendees with Q&A sessions. Their demonstrated enthusiasm and camaraderie with Japan have made them popular figures among the youth, especially among Taiwanese communities.

From 1 PM to 3 PM and then again from 5 PM to 7 PM, attendees will enjoy tasty samples of Taiwanese dishes prepared with local ingredients. This crossover event aims to strengthen ties between Kumamoto and Taiwan while promising a delightful culinary experience.

Taiwanese Cooking Class

On the following day, February 9, an additional event titled “Taiwanese Cooking Class Using Kumamoto Ingredients” will be hosted at Kotolabo Asagaya in Tokyo. Here, participants will have the unique opportunity to learn how to make traditional Taiwanese dishes using high-quality ingredients sourced from Kumamoto.

Meet the Chefs

Two renowned chefs will conduct the cooking classes. Kiu Ren En, owner of the popular Kumamoto Street Bun Store Kijoten, will demonstrate how to prepare dishes like

• - Stir-fried Eggplant with Kumamoto Eggplants
• - Nanokanzuke (Southern Kanto-style Fried Bean Curd)
• - Karashi Renkon (Mustard Lotus Root)
• - Soup with Takana and Ginger
• - Strawberry Milk Mochi

Kiu Ren En is celebrated for his authentic Taiwanese recipes and has built a loyal customer base in both Taiwan and Japan.

On the other hand, Yoshi, the owner of Sankai Douhua, will also present his culinary talents. After working as a firefighter and falling in love with Douhua (Tofu Pudding) during his working holiday, Yoshi decided to dedicate his career to popularizing this beloved Taiwanese dessert. Attendees can expect a hands-on experience in the kitchen, refining their culinary skills with the chefs.

Connecting Cultures

Kumamoto City is keen to enhance its reputation and engage with the local Taiwanese community in Tokyo through these events. By developing a deeper understanding of Kumamoto's rich tradition of food, culture, and hospitality, this initiative promises an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

The overall aim of Kumamoto’s campaign is to boost recognition of the city’s high-quality agricultural products and rich cultural heritage. This goal aligns with efforts to attract visitors and promote Kumamoto’s unique offering to broader audiences.

In closing, while participation for these events is currently closed, the excitement surrounding them is palpable, and the outcomes are sure to enrich cultural exchanges and culinary adventures between Taiwan and Kumamoto.

For further details and updates, Kumamoto City’s promotional activities will be chronicled on its official website and the TOKYO BASE 096 Instagram account.

Final Words

As a melting pot of flavors, Kumamoto stands ready to welcome guests from Taipei, creating lasting memories one dish at a time. Keep an eye out for future engagements and opportunities to explore the delights of Kumamoto!