Considering the Future of Japanese Food – Japanese Culture, Business, and Entrepreneurial Potential
The Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce will be hosting "Vancouver Connect Vol.3," an event aimed at fostering business exchange between Japan and Canada and exploring new business opportunities.
The theme for this time is,"The Future of Japanese Food in Canada: A Cross-Industry Perspective on Potential" is.
With global interest in Japanese food and culture growing, what business opportunities exist in Canada for Japanese ingredients and food culture?
This time, using fragrant rice from Kochi Prefecture as a theme, we will exchange opinions on the possibilities of new businesses that can be created through collaboration between Japanese and Canadian businesses, focusing on areas such as developing new markets through brown rice export and local milling, and supporting the launch of an onigiri (rice ball) business in Vancouver.
For those who love Japanese food, are interested in the food business, or aspire to start their own business in the future, this is an opportunity to expand your ideas and create new encounters and connections.We hope this will be successful. It will also be an opportunity for educators and mentors who are nurturing and supporting young entrepreneurs to experience the realities of business and the potential of Japan-Canada collaboration.
What is needed to spread Japanese food culture in Canada? What new businesses can be born by connecting different industries and cultures? We look forward to thinking about these questions and exchanging ideas with you.
We look forward to your participation.
Event Overview
| Event Name | Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce Seminar "Vancouver Connect Vol.3" |
|---|---|
| theme | The Future of Japanese Food in Canada: A Cross-Industry Perspective "Bringing Kochi rice to tables around the world": A proposal for a new co-creation business model pioneered by brown rice export and local milling. |
| Date and time | October 26, 2026 (Monday) 17:00-20:00 (doors open at 17:00) |
| venue | Deville Coffee – The Post in Vancouver 366 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0T5 (map） |
| Participation fee | Free for members, $15 for non-members |
| Participation scale | Approximately 50 participants (seminar mainly consisting of food industry professionals and local business people) |
| Main contents | • Potential for Japan-Canada business in the food sector - Introduction to the Canadian market expansion of aromatic rice from Kochi Prefecture - Presentations by related businesses, Fireside Chat (discussion), and Q&A - Tasting of aromatic rice, and display of beer made with aromatic rice (display samples only) *Participants will be treated to "Oiri," a rice cracker from Shikoku (limited quantity). |
| Organizer/Inquiries | Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Contact Person: Miyanabe Email:[email protected]Tel: 604-715-8303 |
◇Registration
Please apply using the form below.
◇Introduction of each presenter and Fireside Chat (discussion) participants
✦Akihiro Nakata, CEO, funique west LLC: Kochi rice export startup / Presenter and moderator
✦To Mr. Masayoshi Nakamura, CEO, ABURI GROUPWith the grand vision of "redesigning the food distribution infrastructure," we are currently developing Miku, Minami, and Aburi Market stores in Japan and Canada.
✦Mr. Masaharu Yoshitake, JETRO Vancouver: We provide support for exporting Japanese agricultural products and food ingredients to the Canadian market and support for companies entering the Canadian market.
✦JFCインターナショナル, シニアマネジャー 入木田海渡様: Plays a role in the global food supply chain of the Kikkoman Group. Handles over 10,000 types of products, including the company's own brand, Nishiki.
◇Event Reference Materials
*Download materials:Rice milled in Vancouver. Enjoy that same taste you find in Japan.
