Fukushima’s culture and cuisine take Sydney by storm GENKI!
FUKUSHIMA showcases traditional Fukushima crafts and local cuisine at Japan Expo 2024

The Reconstruction Agency opened a GENKI! FUKUSHIMA booth at Japan Expo 2024 in Sydney, Australia, promoting everything great about Fukushima from its culture and cuisine to its tourist attractions and providing special activities for visitors to enjoy.

Sharing Fukushima’s culture through activities to paint traditional akabeko and okiagari-koboshi

We held a workshop where visitors could paint two traditional Fukushima crafts: akabeko and okiagari-koboshi.

The workshop was a roaring success with both kids and adults absorbed in their painting. Everyone had their own unique design—some drew Australia or its flag, while others tried writing kanji.

Visitors liked Fukushima’s traditional crafts: “This was the first time I’ve ever seen crafts from Fukushima, and it was wonderful to put my own design on one.” “I was really happy to try something Japanese. I’m going to give this to my grandchild as a present.” “Trying traditional crafts allowed me to get to know Fukushima better.”

We offer workshops to paint Fukushima’s traditional okiagari-koboshi and akabeko at various locations in the Aizu area of Fukushima, so if you’re ever in Fukushima, make sure you give it a try!

Enjoying the rich tastes of Fukushima sake and local cuisine

We served visitors Yamatogawa Junmai Daiginjo Shiho Shiri, a Fukushima sake that is sold in Australia, and ika ninjin, a local dish.

Visitors were amazed by the rich aroma and flavor of Fukushima’s local sake: “I didn’t know sake could taste this good.” “I’ve never tried Japanese sake before. It smelled great and tasted delicious.” Some considered buying some right away: “The design of the label is great, perfect for gifts.”

Ika ninjin (Japanese for “squid and carrots”) is dish made with finely sliced dried squid and carrots. We prepared it with Australian ingredients at the event. Visitors who tried it said “The carrots have a good texture. The flavor is unlike anything I’ve tried before but it’s rich and delicious.” “The salty-sweet taste is addictive.” The pairing of the dish and sake was also a hit: “It has a texture and taste like pickles and it goes amazingly with the sake!”

Ika ninjin is easy to make—give it a try!

Other features at our booth included peach compote jelly made with Fukushima peaches and a video about Fukushima’s nature, hot springs, and other great things to see and do. The beautiful winter scenery and hot springs appealed to visitors. Many said “I hadn’t heard of Fukushima before, but since it’s only about two hours from Tokyo I’d love to visit,” and took a tourist pamphlet away with them.

Members of Sydney Fukushimakai presented photos and videos they took while traveling in Fukushima and talked about what Fukushima has to offer and information on how its recovery is going, such as safety.

And these are just a few of the great things to see in Fukushima Prefecture! Click the link below to learn about everything Fukushima has to offer and the progress on Fukushima’s recovery. We hope it will inspire you to visit Fukushima and see this amazing prefecture for yourself!

GENKI! FUKUSHIMA’s appearance at Japan Expo 2024