#Japan #Diners Club #Alain Ducasse #Fukui #Fukui Prefecture

Diners Club Presents a Gastronomic Journey in Fukui Prefecture

In an exciting collaboration, Diners Club, under the leadership of Koji Igarashi, President of Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Club, joined forces with world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse to host an innovative gastronomic event in Fukui Prefecture. This special initiative, part of the 15th anniversary celebrations of the popular "Diners Club France Restaurant Week," took place from August 29 to 31, 2025. It aimed to connect local food producers with culinary experts while promoting gastronomy tourism in the region.

The event, made possible with the cooperation of Fukui Prefecture and Kuroki Sake Brewery, underscored Ducasse’s philosophy of "Terroir x Gourmet," shining a light on the exceptional local ingredients and producers of Fukui Prefecture.

Producer Visits: Connecting Through Culinary Heritage

On the first day, Ducasse and Igarashi embarked on a journey to meet six local producers, including popular spots like Hinodeya for fermented fish, Okui Umiseido for kelp, Yoshikawa Eggplant House, and Fukui Tomato Farm producing the renowned Koshino Ruby brand. They also visited the Sagiriya for Ayu fish, and Takamura Knife Manufacturing, known for its involvement in French culinary films.

Through these visits, they engaged in deep discussions with each producer, gaining insights into the background and craftsmanship behind their ingredients. This hands-on experience allowed them to appreciate the passion and skills of Fukui's food artisans, which was covered by multiple media outlets aimed at showcasing the region’s culinary treasures.

Pairing Lunch at Le Jardin: A Celebration of Local Flavors

The afternoon of the second day unfolded at the French restaurant "Le Jardin" in Fukui City, where a specially crafted pairing lunch was held using ingredients sourced from the local producers visited the previous day. Chef Ryo Horiuchi, who served as the sous-chef at Palais Hotel Tokyo's "Esther by Alain Ducasse," prepared this exclusive menu that paired exquisitely with sake selected by Naoto Mizuno, president of Kuroki Brewery. The event attracted 63 participants who praised the remarkable flavor combinations.

Le Jardin, a proud participant of the France Restaurant Week, offered some of the same dishes featured during the pairing lunch throughout the event. The France Restaurant Week continues until October 20, 2025, with various courses available at reasonable prices.

Fukui Classroom: Connecting People and Place through Food

The final day featured a special event called "Fukui Classroom" at the Kuroki Brewery complex, ESHIKOTO, aimed at individuals involved in the local food scene, including chefs, producers, and culinary students. Seventy participants engaged in valuable discussions and networking activities. The morning session featured a talk show with esteemed guests, including Takashi Kadokami, an editorial advisor of "Amakara Techou," and Izumi Shibata, editor-in-chief of "Cooking Kingdom," who shared Ducasse's culinary philosophy and thoughts on Japanese food culture.

At the event, participants had the rare opportunity to hear directly from Ducasse, immersing themselves in the conversation and actively networking during the second part, which showcased five booths featuring local food and crafts.

France Restaurant Week 2025: A Culinary Celebration Across Japan

Running from September 20 to October 20, 2025, the Diners Club France Restaurant Week features over 500 French restaurants nationwide, offering specially arranged traditional French courses at accessible prices. This initiative invites everyone, not just Diners Club members, to experience the culinary delights.

Restaurant offerings start at 3,000 yen, with options at varying price points, ensuring diverse access to these gastronomic experiences.

Explore Diners Club: Unique Experience Awaits

Diners Club continues to pave the way for promoting French cuisine and introducing exquisite regional ingredients and food culture. They are currently offering remarkable membership benefits, including a special campaign for new members, which provides the first-year membership fee waiver and cashback offers under certain conditions. Learn more about the card and its premium services to unlock a world of exclusive experiences.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Culinary Adventure

For more information on the events, promotions, and experiences that Diners Club has to offer, visit their official website or check out their YouTube channel featuring promotional videos and exclusive member events. Embrace the chance to discover unique culinary experiences with Diners Club!