Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries appoints chef Masanori Tomikawa as ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’
Press release: Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries appoints chef Masanori Tomikawa as ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’
Amsterdam, 5 February 2020 – Masanori Tomikawa, Executive Chef & Manager of the two Japanese restaurants located in Hotel Okura Amsterdam, has been appointed as ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’. The title was created by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and is awarded to people, both in Japan and abroad, who make a significant contribution to preserving the authentic Japanese food culture known as ‘washoku’.
‘Washoku’ was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has set itself the task of raising awareness of this heritage. As part of this effort, Okura’s authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant and Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka were also awarded a certificate in March 2019 by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Both restaurants received the certificate for their use of authentic and traditional Japanese products.
The appointment of Masanori Tomikawa as ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’ is part of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ initiative to raise awareness of ‘washoku’. As an ambassador, Tomikawa will play both an educational and a consulting role. He represents authentic Japanese food culture and epitomises the associated allure, to create knowledge and understanding of this culture.
About the restaurants of Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Hotel Okura Amsterdam has four restaurants, three of which are recognised by Michelin. Yamazato Restaurant and Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka both serve Japanese cuisine, each in their own unique way. Yamazato, which has been awarded one Michelin star, offers traditional Japanese haute cuisine Kaiseki Ryori. At Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka, dishes are prepared on a hot plate in front of diners. Ciel Bleu, located on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, has been awarded two Michelin stars. Chefs Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman find their inspiration in the wishes of their international guests. Finally, Serre is the perfect place to enjoy international specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Serre, which has been awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, offers high-quality cuisine at excellent prices.