Hello everyone, this is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On March 25th (Wed), I had the honor of serving as the English MC for the opening session of the “Policy Briefing for Ambassadors in Tokyo” hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, held at the Sanbancho Conference Hall in Chiyoda City, Tokyo. Following the session, I attended the reception, where I had the opportunity to greet ambassadors from various countries and serve a selection of sake from across Japan. I was accompanied by Ms. Mika Onishi, Representative Director of the Miss SAKE Association, and Ms. Kotoko Yamada, 2023 Miss SAKE Japan.
About the “Policy Briefing for Ambassadors in Tokyo”
The “Policy Briefing for Ambassadors in Tokyo,” hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, is an initiative aimed at promoting understanding of Japan’s advanced food-related technologies and expanding exports of Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and food. During the opening session, lectures on Japan’s cutting-edge food technology were delivered, providing valuable insights into the country’s latest initiatives. The reception that followed offered an opportunity to experience Japanese food culture, while ambassadors from various nations engaged in warm and meaningful exchanges through food.
Through these activities, this event serves as an important platform for sharing the value of Japan’s “food” and “agriculture” with the world and strengthening international connections.
The Future of Food Opened by Japanese Food Tech
At the opening session, I served as the English MC. Following opening remarks by Mr. Yuhei Yamashita, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who spoke about the future of Japanese food culture. After that, presentations were delivered by representatives of five companies leading Japan’s food tech industry. These presentations introduced cutting-edge initiatives and future directions aimed at expanding Japanese food culture globally and passing it on to the next generation.
- Agro Ludens – CEO Kiyotaka Saga
- PLANTX Corp. – President Koji Yamada
- Regional Fish Institute, Ltd. – President Tadanori Umekawa
- ARK Inc. – CEO Yosuke Kurihara
- Aburi Restaurants Japan Co., Ltd. – Manager Kazuki Nakamura
Through these presentations, it became clear that Japan’s food tech is not merely about technological innovation, but also about rethinking the very nature of food and agriculture. As global challenges such as climate change and resource constraints intensify, new approaches are being explored to ensure stable food supply while minimizing environmental impact.
It was also emphasized that, in order to expand these initiatives, not only technological advancement but also greater consumer understanding is essential. I learned that Japan’s food tech, grounded in advanced technology, seeks to harmonize sustainability with cultural value, and will play a leading role in shaping the future of food.
A Reception Beginning with Kagami-Biraki
Following the session, we moved to the reception venue. The event began with opening remarks by Mr. Norikazu Suzuki, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, followed by remarks from H.E. Mr. John Fritz, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia, representing the diplomatic corps.
Next, producers who received Gold Awards at the “27th Rice Taste Analysis Competition: International Contest” held in December 2025 were introduced.
Mr. Shinobu Kanda (Kanda Farm, Fukushima),
Mr. Masakazu Nagata (Mitsuwa Farm Co., Ltd., Gifu), and
Mr. Hokuto Nakayama (Agritech Hokuto Co., Ltd., Kumamoto)
were invited on stage.
As part of its activities to promote Japanese rice culture, Miss SAKE participates in this competition annually. I also had the opportunity to serve as a judge last year, and it was a great pleasure to meet the award-winning producers again. At the same time, I was deeply moved by the dedication and passion of those who support Japanese agriculture. At the venue, rice produced by these three award winners was served as onigiri.
The reception officially began with a traditional kagami-biraki ceremony. Kagami-biraki is a celebratory ritual that dates back to the Edo period, where “kagami” symbolizes harmony and “biraki” signifies prosperity and expansion. The ceremony was performed by Minister Suzuki, Ambassador Fritz and his spouse, Mr. Kanda, and Ms. Kumiko Kato, Executive Director of the Ikebana International Art Association and a master of the Sogetsu School, who was also responsible for the floral arrangements at the event. Following the ceremonial toast, the reception unfolded into a vibrant and festive atmosphere, heralding the arrival of spring.
The Potential of Cultural Diplomacy Through Sake
More than 60 diplomats from around the world gathered at the venue. As Miss SAKE, we had the honor of greeting ambassadors and serving Japanese sake, including “Junmai Ginjo Iwaki Kotobuki” from Suzuki Sake Brewery (Yamagata Prefecture).
Through this experience, I once again realized the value and potential of “cultural diplomacy” in connecting people across the world through sake. I look forward to continuing to expand opportunities for cultural exchange through Japanese cuisine and sake.
Through this “Policy Briefing for Ambassadors in Tokyo,” I was once again reminded that the cultural value of Japan’s “food” and “agriculture” has the power to connect people beyond differences in nationality, language, and culture. In particular, I found great significance in how cutting-edge food tech initiatives are integrated with traditional food culture and craftsmanship, enabling Japan’s culinary appeal to be communicated from multiple perspectives. Through interactions with ambassadors, I also strongly recognized the importance and growing potential of sharing the value of Japanese food culture with the world.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to carefully convey the appeal of Japanese food culture, including sake, while striving to serve as a bridge for mutual understanding across countries and regions. Looking ahead to future international activities, I will cherish each encounter and dedicate myself to sharing Japan’s culture and values more deeply and widely.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
