Remarks in February 2008
Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan, delivered a speech at the Japanese Food Demonstration for Ikebana International Jordan Chapter on 20 February 2008
Professor Muhsen Makhamreh, Dean of Jordan Applied University College of Hospitality & Tourism Education,
Mrs. Hind Shalan, President of Ikebana International Jordan Chapter and her colleague Ikebana members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor for me to welcome you all here today at the Japanese Food Demonstration, which the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with Jordan Applied University, arranged exclusively for Ikebana members in Jordan within activities of its twentieth anniversary.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to the continuous efforts exerted by those have introduced Japanese culture to Jordan.
Ikebana International Jordan Chapter has made invaluable contributions to increase the mutual understanding between Japan and Jordan through promoting Ikebana over the last two decades.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation for the generous support of Professor Muhsen Makharmeh, Dean of JAU College of Hospitality & Tourism Education, and his colleagues who realized today’s event.
Ikebana and Japanese traditional cuisine share the common philosophy that expresses elaborated art presentation and harmony with seasonal nature.
The Japanese food is prepared to retain as much of natural flavour of its ingredients as possible and great importance is placed on the delicacy of colour, fragrance, and taste.
Seasonality is also stressed and serving dishes also play an important role with their colour, shape, and ingredients being carefully matched to the food and season. As you may have been already aware of, those distinctive features are in common with Ikebana.
Therefore, I arranged today’s culinary event to further enrich your knowledge on the Japanese culture, in addition to enriching your dining table as well. I am pleased to note that today’s menu fully incorporates with locally available ingredients in the market.
It is my hope that Ikebana ladies in Jordan would share the expertise and knowledge of Mr. Mitsuhiro Hikasa, Chef at my residence, with others so as to further spread and introduce the Japanese culture from a different perspective.
I am delighted to thank you all once again for joining us here today and I genuinely wish to work with you to bring closer bridges of friendship between Japan and Jordan through food, as well as Ikebana.
Thank you.
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