#Japan #ABC Cooking Studio #Omihachiman City #Omihachiman #Sustainable Community

ABC Cooking Studio and Omihachiman City Unite for Local Food Development

Recently, ABC Cooking Studio, which operates cooking classes across Japan and Asia, has established a partnership with Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture. This collaborative agreement aims to elevate the appeal of local ingredients and broaden their market outreach, contributing to sustainable community development through the enhancement of the region's food resources.

Partnership Overview

The agreement, signed on July 1, 2025, focuses on a mutual reinforcement of shared resources and functions to promote sustainable practices centered around food in Omihachiman City. The initiative prioritizes the community’s organic food production, leveraging the strengths of both parties to invigorate the local economy.

During the signing ceremony held at the Omihachiman City Hall, important figures such as Mayor Ari Konishi and ABC Cooking Studio’s President and CEO Narumi Shimura were in attendance. The gathering was a significant step toward formalizing their commitment to this community-based approach.

Key Details of the Signing Ceremony

• - Date and Time: July 1, 2025, from 14:15 to 14:55
• - Location: Omihachiman City Hall
• - Attendees:

- Omihachiman City: Mayor Ari Konishi
- ABC Cooking Studio: President and CEO Narumi Shimura

Mayor Konishi expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to sign this agreement with ABC Cooking Studio. As we declared an Organic Village on May 17, 2025, we are keen to promote an ‘organic city’ through collaboration, fostering awareness of local ingredients and their importance.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend towards sustainable living and eating locally.

On the other side, Narumi Shimura has pledged that ABC Cooking Studio will employ every means necessary to bolster the appeal and marketing of local products. “We are committed to connecting local resources to the future and contributing to the organic city initiative spearheaded by Omihachiman,” she stated.

Areas of Cooperation

The partnership includes several key focus areas aimed at enhancing mutual benefits:
1. Tourism and Brand Promotion: Working on strategies to attract visitors through local cuisine and experiences.
2. Utilization of Specialty Products: Highlighting and integrating regional delicacies into cooking classes.
3. Enhancement of Local Ingredients: Promoting local produce to elevate their status and market reach.
4. Information Dissemination and PR Activities: Joint promotions to raise awareness and visibility of local initiatives.
5. Human Resource Exchange and Development: Encouraging talent sharing to boost local culinary skills.
6. Promotion of Food Education: Implementing programs that educate the community about healthy eating practices.
7. Additional Relevant Matters: Addressing any other necessary issues as identified through continued discussions.

This partnership is part of a broader trend where local governments and organizations are joining forces to enhance their communities. For instance, the initiatives may help to promote local specialties like Omi Beef, Yokawa-style Yokan, and Funazushi, among others.

About ABC Cooking Studio

Founded in Tokyo, ABC Cooking Studio is one of the largest cooking schools in the world, boasting over 1.7 million members worldwide. Since its first international establishment in 2010, ABC has expanded across eight countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. The organization focuses on spreading joy through shared meals.

The studio offers various courses, including cooking, baking, and cake making, while emphasizing the importance of homemade food. It also engages in local revitalization through specialty product recipe development and training programs.

In summary, the alliance between ABC Cooking Studio and Omihachiman City is poised to make significant strides in promoting local culinary culture while fostering sustainable community development conducive to a vibrant food economy.