- PRESS RELEASE -
Japanese Government and Non-Profits to Host
Japanese Food Events in Southern California
March 5-8, 2009

With over 1000 competitive Japanese restaurants to choose from, Japanese food lovers in Southern California can be demanding and discerning when selecting a place to eat. Consumers are demanding more authentic Japanese dishes in comparison to a few decades ago when Japanese restaurants were adjusting their ingredients and cuisine to match American tastes. Eight Japanese government and non-profit organizations have partnered together to host five food events between March 5th to 8th, 2009 to introduce some of the top local Japanese restaurants and food providers to Southern California. From industry-only business events to food-tasting festivals for Japanese food lovers, pick your event and come join us to share a memorable experience!

Featured Events:

Japanese Food & Sake Festival 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
  3:00PM-5:00PM Business to Business Reception Invitation Only
  5:00PM-8:00PM Open to Public
Hyatt Regency-Orange County: 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840
Hosted by: Japanese Food Culture Association (JFCA), Japan-America Society of Southern California (JAS)
Supported by: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Los Angeles, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), The Japan Foundation, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California
For questions, please contact: jfcaevent@japanesefoodculture.org
Website: www.japanesefoodculture.org
 

Media representatives are cordially invited to the above Festival
 

**PRESS CREDENTIALS & RSVP REQUIRED FOR EVENT ENTRY
 

For RSVP, please contact:

Ms. Yoko Okuaki
Japanese Food Culture Association
Tel: (818)907-9764
c/o American Access
E-mail: jfcainfo@japanesefoodculture.org

Japan Pavilion & Japanese Food Demonstration: Natural Products Expo Industry Only
March 6-8, 2009 | Fri, Sat: 10:00AM-6:00PM Sun: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Anaheim Convention Center: 800 W Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
{Japan Pavilion (Hall D), Japanese Food Demonstration (Hall E)}
Hosted by: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries of Japan (MAFF)
Operated by: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
For questions, please email: kristoffer_miller@jetro.go.jp
Website: www.jetro.org/foodevent
To Register for the Expo Pass, go to: www.expowest.com

Other Special Event:

Symposium: Japanese Food Business and its Potential in U.S. Industry Only
Thursday, March 5, 2009 | 1:00PM-2:30PM (free lunch will be served from 12:00PM)
Participants will have free entrance to the Business to Business Reception section of the Japanese Food & Sake Festival (free shuttle provided to Hyatt Regency-Orange County)
Presenter: Mr. Junki Yoshida Yoshida Group founder
Special Guest: Mr. Yasuo Kumoda, JFCA President & Former Executive Advisor of Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc.
Sheraton Garden Grove-Anaheim South Hotel: 12221 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840 (Ballroom)
Hosted by: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries of Japan (MAFF)
Operated by: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
For questions, please email: kristoffer_miller@jetro.go.jp
Website: www.jetro.org/foodevent

- PRESS CONFERENCE -

Japanese Food & Cultural Events Press Conference
Hosted by Consulate General of Japan

On February 3rd, 2009, Consul General Junichi Ihara hosted a media event announcing the second Japanese Food & Sake Festival. This year's event will be held on March 5th at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, near the Anaheim Convention Center, and will be an opportunity for food distributors, restaurateurs and fans of Japanese cuisine to explore new food products and sample sake labels never before available in the United States. Renowned chef, Mr. Katsuya Uechi, of the Katsuya Restaurant group, provided demonstrations and served sushi and sashimi, as well as premium wagyu beef imported directly from Japan for the occasion. Media guests were also treated to a special discussion and demonstration by noted kimono designer and stylist, Mr. Nobuaki Tomita, who introduced much anticipated Japanese Kimono events to be held in April 2009.