Special Reception and Ceremony for Mr. Kashiba Shiro’s appointment as “Goodwill Ambassador to Spread Japanese Cuisine”
2019/6/3
On May 20, a special reception and ceremony for Mr. Shiro Kashiba’s appointment as “Goodwill Ambassador to Spread Japanese Culture” was held at the Consul General’s Official Residence. Mr. Kashiba has been serving “Edo-mae” style sushi in Seattle for decades and has contributed to spreading Japanese cuisine in the community. He has been praised for his high-quality culinary skills that combine local ingredients with Japanese cuisine.
From 2015, the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has been appointing “Goodwill Ambassadors to Spread Japanese Cuisine” in an effort to spread Japanese food and dietary culture abroad. The appointees will engage in activities such as assisting MAFF projects, disseminating information about Japanese food, and providing professional advice to people in the Japanese cuisine industry.
This year, 17 people were appointed as special ambassadors from around the world (in which 2 were from the U.S.). Mr. Kashiba was the second to be appointed in Washington State, preceded by Mr. Takeyuki Suetsugu, a highly renowned chef, currently active in Moses Lake. More information about Mr. Kashiba’s appointment can be found here: https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000602.html
In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Consul General Yamada spoke on the Pacific Northwest’s specialty of seafood, saying that “Japanese food is a part of Seattle’s food culture.” He also mentioned the history of Japanese food in this area, beginning with the opening of “Maneki” in 1904, which led to the dispersion of Japanese cuisine.
“This is the best day out of my 77 years and 10 months,” Mr Kashiba said when being handed the appointment letter by Consul General Yamada. He looked back at his lifelong career of serving sushi for the past 50 years. “I would like to spend the rest of my life enjoying Japanese food culture more than ever,” he said.
In addition to Mr. Kashiba (Sushi Kashiba), renowned chefs from in and around Seattle, Mr. Kobayashi Jun (Shiro’s), Mr. Ishikura Masaaki (Miyabi Sushi), Mr. Kitamura Taichi (Sushi Kappo Tamura), Mr. Kumita Kotaro (Sushi Wataru), Mr. Tawara Hirokazu (wa’z), and Mr. Nakazawa Daisuke (Sushi Nakazawa, New York), were invited to give sushi demonstrations.
Deputy Mayor of Seattle Shefali Ranganathan and Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos as well as representatives from the hotel and restaurant industry, the food and tourism industry, the press, and community leaders gathered for the reception. Around 120 guests were served exquisite sushi made right in front of them; it was an authentic opportunity to appreciate Japanese culinary culture.
Samples of Japanese tea, Sake, and beer were served to the participants and samples foods of Nichirei and Japanese lacquer ware and preserved flowers of Heiando America were displayed at the reception, thanks to the Japanese business corporations.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle wishes the best for Mr. Kashiba’s continuing success, and we look forward to seeing the spread of Japanese food and culture in and around Seattle.
From 2015, the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has been appointing “Goodwill Ambassadors to Spread Japanese Cuisine” in an effort to spread Japanese food and dietary culture abroad. The appointees will engage in activities such as assisting MAFF projects, disseminating information about Japanese food, and providing professional advice to people in the Japanese cuisine industry.
This year, 17 people were appointed as special ambassadors from around the world (in which 2 were from the U.S.). Mr. Kashiba was the second to be appointed in Washington State, preceded by Mr. Takeyuki Suetsugu, a highly renowned chef, currently active in Moses Lake. More information about Mr. Kashiba’s appointment can be found here: https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000602.html
In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Consul General Yamada spoke on the Pacific Northwest’s specialty of seafood, saying that “Japanese food is a part of Seattle’s food culture.” He also mentioned the history of Japanese food in this area, beginning with the opening of “Maneki” in 1904, which led to the dispersion of Japanese cuisine.
“This is the best day out of my 77 years and 10 months,” Mr Kashiba said when being handed the appointment letter by Consul General Yamada. He looked back at his lifelong career of serving sushi for the past 50 years. “I would like to spend the rest of my life enjoying Japanese food culture more than ever,” he said.
In addition to Mr. Kashiba (Sushi Kashiba), renowned chefs from in and around Seattle, Mr. Kobayashi Jun (Shiro’s), Mr. Ishikura Masaaki (Miyabi Sushi), Mr. Kitamura Taichi (Sushi Kappo Tamura), Mr. Kumita Kotaro (Sushi Wataru), Mr. Tawara Hirokazu (wa’z), and Mr. Nakazawa Daisuke (Sushi Nakazawa, New York), were invited to give sushi demonstrations.
Deputy Mayor of Seattle Shefali Ranganathan and Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos as well as representatives from the hotel and restaurant industry, the food and tourism industry, the press, and community leaders gathered for the reception. Around 120 guests were served exquisite sushi made right in front of them; it was an authentic opportunity to appreciate Japanese culinary culture.
Samples of Japanese tea, Sake, and beer were served to the participants and samples foods of Nichirei and Japanese lacquer ware and preserved flowers of Heiando America were displayed at the reception, thanks to the Japanese business corporations.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle wishes the best for Mr. Kashiba’s continuing success, and we look forward to seeing the spread of Japanese food and culture in and around Seattle.
 Mr. Kashiba being appointed “Goodwill Ambassador to Spread Japanese Cuisine” |
 Mr. Kashiba (left) and Mr. Suetsugu (right) |
 Consul General Yamada (top left), Mr. Kashiba (top middle), Mr. Suetsugu (top right) and their respective wives |
 Mr. Kashiba and the sushi chefs |
 Remarks by Seattle Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan |
 Remarks by Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos |
 Sushi demonstration by Mr. Kashiba |
 Vegetable craftwork display by Mr. Suetsugu |
 Poster for the appointment of Mr. Kashiba as Special Ambassador |
 Display by sponsor Heiando America |
 Products by sponsor Nichirei and Innovasian |
 Japanese Tea sponsor Ito En and Distant Lands Coffee |
 Sponsor Sapporo Beer and JFC International Inc. |
 Sponsor Sake Story |