The Embassy of Japan in the Maldives Hosts “An Evening of Nippon Delights” to Promote Japanese Food and Drinks

   
Malé, March 30, 2026 – The Embassy of Japan in the Maldives hosted “An Evening of Nippon Delights – Promoting Japanese Food and Drinks” at Nihonbashi Blue, Crossroads Maldives, with the participation of H.E. Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment. The event aimed to promote Japanese cuisine and beverages, as well as to enhance understanding of Japanese food culture and businesses in the Maldives.

The event was also attended by representatives from the hospitality industry, including resort operators and food importers, providing an opportunity to strengthen connections between Japanese companies and key stakeholders in the Maldivian market.

Japanese food products and beverages were showcased with the support of major importers, Sara International Co. Ltd., presented a range of Japanese products, including Japanese sake, green tea, and wagyu beef. YAMAKI Co., Ltd., which operates a katsuobushi production subsidiary (YMAK) in Addu City, also introduced products utilizing Maldivian bonito. These presentations highlighted the quality and diversity of Japanese food products and their potential in the Maldivian market.

The Embassy’s chef conducted a demonstration of Maguro Nigiri and served traditional Japanese clear soup (Osuimono) using katsuobushi provided by YAMAKI, offering participants an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine, highlighting “Washoku” (Japanese traditional cuisine) inscribed in 2013 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Japanese sake imported by Sara International was also introduced, as Japanese traditional sake-brewing was also registered in 2024 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Embassy of Japan remains committed to promoting Japanese food culture and further strengthening economic ties between Japan and the Maldives.