We are pleased to report that “KYODO DINNER – Kumamoto,” an event to enjoy the food and sake of Kumamoto, was held on February 25 (local time) at the Japanese restaurant “Aizome” inside Japan House São Paulo. With about 60 participants, it was a full house and a great success.
Below is a brief overview of the day, with photos.
1. Presentation on Kumamoto’s food and sake by Alexandre Iida
Sake Samurai Alexandre Iida explained the purpose of the “KYODO DINNER” project and why “Kumamoto” was chosen for its first edition as a joint project with our representative Nishida. With a touch of humor, he introduced the characteristics and food of Kumamoto, which he had visited in person, and explained the ingredients and sake served that evening.
He also mentioned that a tour from Brazil to Kumamoto is being organized for this October and is now accepting participants.
2. SAMURAI NISHIDA on Kumamoto and a toast with akazake
Nishida (who performs at local events as SAMURAI NISHIDA) spoke about the history of and passion behind our Kumamoto product promotions, thanked everyone for coming, and led a toast with akazake (Kumamoto’s traditional red sake) wishing them happy lives—and so the “KYODO DINNER” began.
Having traveled from Kumamoto to take part, he talked with guests from their arrival through the dinner until they left, posed for photos, and explained and added context to the dishes being served—raising the energy of the entire venue and the depth of the gathering.
3. Creative Kumamoto kaiseki by Telma Shiraishi, paired with sake
From aperitif to appetizers, sashimi, soup, main dishes, and dessert, plus paired sake, there were 12 items in total. Making full use of the appeal and high quality of Kumamoto ingredients, the dishes were given color and flair through the arrangements of Aizome owner-chef Telma Shiraishi. Their appearance captivated the guests, and their taste brought smiles to everyone’s faces, filling the venue with a warm atmosphere.
4. An opportunity to discover Kumamoto’s local flavors, history, and culture in São Paulo
Throughout the dinner, Alexandre Iida and Nishida went from table to table explaining the food and sake and asking guests why they came and what they thought of the dishes. The lively conversations happening all around the room were truly memorable.
Many guests also visited the exhibition booth set up at the front of the venue. General guests picked up products and Kumamoto brochures with great interest, restaurant owners asked how the featured foods could be used in their kitchens, and buyers asked in detail about prices and specifications—communication was lively here as well. Some of the products on display were already in transit to São Paulo or already on sale, and interest was high.
Participants ———————
About 60 people, including food importers and trading companies, restaurant owners, food supermarkets, the Consulate General of Japan in São Paulo, consumers well versed in Japanese food, and other stakeholders
Food and sake served (menu) ———————
◯ Aperitif / welcome drink: [Akazake]
◯ Appetizers: [Karashi renkon (mustard-stuffed lotus root)] [Miso-marinated tofu]
◯ Sashimi: [Sashimi with transparent soy sauce]
◯ Soup: [Taipien (Kumamoto-style glass noodle soup)]
◯ Main: [Akaushi beef grilled with Nishida Sauce] [Fried rice with takana greens] [Dago-jiru dumpling soup with Nankan-age fried tofu] [Nori tsukudani and seasoned nori]
◯ Dessert: [Jindaiko]
Sake:
Kuyo Masamune (Kumamoto Prefecture Sake Research Institute)
Junmai Ginjo Reizan (Yamamura Shuzo)
In addition to the menu, we set up a booth displaying Kumamoto foods and brochures, which drew guests’ attention. Thanks to sponsorship from Kumamoto Prefecture, participants also received small Kumamon gifts.
*Also an occasion to reflect on the history of Japanese-Brazilian immigration and the homeland
Some guests responded to the very idea behind the KYODO DINNER. A group of grandchildren of Japanese immigrants from Kumamoto attended together. They turned out to be school friends of Telma Shiraishi, and came because it was their friend’s new event—and because this edition featured Kumamoto.
It was deeply moving to see them bring copies of their grandparents’ Imperial-era passports and old photographs from the time of emigration, sharing their feelings with the organizers and other guests.
This photo shows descendants of emigrants from Kumamoto Prefecture to Brazil, together with the Goodwill Ambassador and Nishida.
Here is what they told us:
“Thank you for creating this opportunity. Thanks to you, we were able to experience here in São Paulo the flavors our grandparents and ancestors once enjoyed in their hometown of Kumamoto. We are truly happy to taste what our grandparents knew. If we ever get the chance, we will visit Kumamoto—please show us around! Thank you for this opportunity.”
“This is my grandfather in the photo. And this is my grandmother. This is Mr. ○○’s grandfather, who couldn’t be here. I really wanted to come to this event. It’s physically difficult for me to go to Kumamoto now, but I could come to São Paulo. Thank you for reminding me of my homeland!”
They shared their feelings for their homeland with great excitement.
▼ Article in Brasil Nippou (Japanese) ▼