Japan Port Cities Showcase Local Food, Tourism At Paris Event
A group of Japanese port cities has kicked off events in Paris aimed to expand their local farm produce exports to France and attract more tourists from the country.
Representatives of cities from along the Sea of Japan coast held an opening ceremony on Monday by the Seine. Participants hoisted long bamboo poles adorned with paper lanterns and performed traditional dances.
Merchant ships called Kitamae-bune operating along the Sea of Japan coast stopped at the cities' ports between the 18th and 19th centuries.
The cities have set up booths at one of Europe's largest food trade shows, underway on the outskirts of Paris. The booths showcase traditional Japanese foods, including dried kelp, dried bonito flakes and noodles, as well as sake.
The Japanese food items have attracted visitors from the food-service industry as a growing number of restaurants in France now use them.
The owner of an organic food shop in Belgium who was at the trade show said demand is growing for Japanese food.
The Japanese cities have also opened a tourism event in Paris, where they display traditional art works and introduce local cuisine culture.
A woman from a travel agency that organizes tours to Japan said many French travelers are interested in scenery, art works and foods in each area in Japan. She expressed hope that Japan's easing of COVID border controls can help boost demand for tours to the country.