Consulate Activities
2016/10/7
Promotional Event Showcasing Tsuyahime Rice and Other Yamagata Specialties
On October 7, 2016, the Consulate General of Japan and the Yamagata Prefectural Government co-hosted a promotional event showcasing Tsuyahime rice and other specialties from Yamagata Prefecture at the Official Residence of Consul General.
Over 200 people attended the event. The attendants from Japan included Governor of Yamagata Mieko Yoshimura, five Yamagata Prefectural Assembly Members, Mr. Yutaka Nagasawa, Chairman of Zennoh Yamagata Prefectural Headquarters, actor Eiichiro Funakoshi and Mr. Hidehito Uki, founder of Sun Noodle. Mr. Funakoshi and Mr. Uki are both Ambassadors of Tourism and Tsuyahime rice for Yamagata Prefecture.
From the Hawaii side, Senator Glenn Wakai attended along with other members of the Hawaii State Legislature. Members from the local business community as well as the Yamagata Kenjinkai also participated in the event.
The participants enjoyed the delicious Onigiris (rice balls) and Benkei Meshi (traditional style grilled rice balls with miso paste) made of Tsuyahime rice, known to maintain its taste even when it is cold, Imoni (traditional local stew from Yamagata), Yamagata brand beef and 35 different types of sake from Yamagata.
Crafts unique to Yamagata such as Sasano Ittobori wood carvings, Yamagata Tetsubin (iron cast teapots), Kazari Goma (large decorative chess pieces), Goten-mari (decorative silk thread balls) and wooden furniture were also on display.
Entertainment included an eye-catching Kendama (Japanese traditional wooden skill toy) performance by professionals using special Kendamas from Yamagata. The night ended with the guests dancing in a circle to Yamagata Prefecture’s well known Hanagasa Ondo folk dance, allowing everyone to experience true Yamagata culture.
There is no sister state relationship between Yamagata and Hawaii, and many in Hawaii are not familiar with Yamagata. However, through this event, we hope everyone will want to visit Yamagata to experience firsthand the alluring charm of the region. We also hope the delicious Tsuyahime rice will continue to gain popularity in Hawaii.
Over 200 people attended the event. The attendants from Japan included Governor of Yamagata Mieko Yoshimura, five Yamagata Prefectural Assembly Members, Mr. Yutaka Nagasawa, Chairman of Zennoh Yamagata Prefectural Headquarters, actor Eiichiro Funakoshi and Mr. Hidehito Uki, founder of Sun Noodle. Mr. Funakoshi and Mr. Uki are both Ambassadors of Tourism and Tsuyahime rice for Yamagata Prefecture.
From the Hawaii side, Senator Glenn Wakai attended along with other members of the Hawaii State Legislature. Members from the local business community as well as the Yamagata Kenjinkai also participated in the event.
The participants enjoyed the delicious Onigiris (rice balls) and Benkei Meshi (traditional style grilled rice balls with miso paste) made of Tsuyahime rice, known to maintain its taste even when it is cold, Imoni (traditional local stew from Yamagata), Yamagata brand beef and 35 different types of sake from Yamagata.
Crafts unique to Yamagata such as Sasano Ittobori wood carvings, Yamagata Tetsubin (iron cast teapots), Kazari Goma (large decorative chess pieces), Goten-mari (decorative silk thread balls) and wooden furniture were also on display.
Entertainment included an eye-catching Kendama (Japanese traditional wooden skill toy) performance by professionals using special Kendamas from Yamagata. The night ended with the guests dancing in a circle to Yamagata Prefecture’s well known Hanagasa Ondo folk dance, allowing everyone to experience true Yamagata culture.
There is no sister state relationship between Yamagata and Hawaii, and many in Hawaii are not familiar with Yamagata. However, through this event, we hope everyone will want to visit Yamagata to experience firsthand the alluring charm of the region. We also hope the delicious Tsuyahime rice will continue to gain popularity in Hawaii.