JAPAN RAIL CAFE LAUNCHES ‘FUKUSHIMA FOOD FAIR’ IN SINGAPORE THIS NOVEMBER

Singapore, November 2022 – JAPAN RAIL CAFE is thrilled to present a month-long ‘Fukushima Food Fair’ starting from 1 November 2022, which includes a free tasting event of top-notch fish and sake from 2 to 8 November 2022 that welcomes all to have a taste of the best that Fukushima has to offer. This event is supported by the METI Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

Partake in the convivial, interactive and welcoming food fair that will be held within the JAPAN RAIL CAFE’s cosy dining space. To add to the energetic atmosphere, supplier representatives will be present on 2 and 3 November 2022 to share more about their outstanding products!

The third largest prefecture in Japan, Fukushima is a treasure trove of produce and sake. Singapore began importing products from Fukushima again since 2021, signifying renewed confidence since the 2011 tsunami.

Enthuses Hayashi Hiroyuki, Director of Lifestyle Businesses in East Japan Railway Company Singapore Branch (JR East Singapore): “We are very proud to be able to share the rich culture and beauty of Fukushima through this exciting food fair. The commitment by its people to raising the profile of this prefecture through activities, initiatives and education, is heartwarming and commendable. It is surely our pleasure to be able to reacquaint the public with this vibrant prefecture to hopefully inspire them on their next trip to Japan!”

FREE TASTING EVENT

Facebook Event Page here.

Fukushima Joban-mono Seafood

L – R: Salted Grilled Mackerel; Whitefish

The coastal area of Fukushima is well-known as an abundant fishing ground, where the cold Oyashio and warm Kuroshio currents meet. The bountiful ‘Joban-mono’ seafood that can only be found in this area is famed for excellent quality and flavour. Sample a range of exceptional fish that are imported directly from Iwaki Gyorui. Co, Ltd. – mackerel, whitefish and monkfish.

This wholesaler of marine products for over 45 years with customers based throughout Japan, mainly in the Tohoku and Kanto regions, is helmed by President Suzuki Kenji (right) who strives to bring quality seafood to the world. Select products are already available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Salted Grilled Mackerel

• First soaked in salt water and dehydrated for a concentrated flavour.
• Prior to serving, fattier mackerels are deboned to make enjoyment easier!

Whitefish

• A premium fish and specialty of the Ukedo Fishing Port that is only harvested in the winter, and often served in sushi.
• The fish is first boiled to remove any natural bitterness, then dehydrated for a more intense flavour.

Monkfish

• A superior fish that is caught in the deep sea off the Fukushima coast. 
• Skinned and deboned, the tail is deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy flesh.

L – R: President Abe Takahisa; Hand-grilled large conger eels

Also not to be missed are the hand-grilled large conger eels supplied by Hamakara, LLC. – a purveyor of freshly caught fish and ready-to-eat seafood products. President Abe Takahisa launched this business after the 2011 tsunami, hoping to restore people’s faith in Fukushima seafood and to bring these products back to their original glory.

• Over 300g each, these eels have a richer flavour and meatier texture as they are free to roam in the sea, in addition to growing in the nutrient-rich fishing ground.
• The eels are skilfully prepared kabayaki-style – the most popular form of preparing eels – before it is hand-grilled to perfection and covered in a glistening homemade sauce made with sea salt and conger eel bones.

Fukushima Sake

Fukushima is also home to remarkable sake breweries, such as Yamatogawa Shuzouten and Toyokuni Brewery – the former is known for its deep-flavoured sake.

L – R: Junmai Dry YAUEMON; President Satou Masakazu; Junmai SUN

Yamatogawa Shuzouten is a prestigious and multiple award-winning sake brewery that aims to create a one-of-a-kind sake using rice, water, technology and in the future, energy, sourced locally from Kitakata, a city located in Fukushima. President Satou Masakazu recommends enjoying the brewery’s sake on its own, but also with dishes that use soy sauce or miso.

Junmai Dry YAUEMON

• 2022 Best Gold Award Winning Sake in the Hot Sake Contest.
• Produced using 100% rice that is grown in-house.
• A versatile sake with a soft mouthfeel and refreshing aftertaste that makes it the perfect pairing with any dish.
• Its taste remains equally amazing whether consumed cold, hot, or at room temperature!

Junmai SUN

• Another noteworthy sake that is produced using the traditional kimoto method.
• This methodical cultivation of natural lactic acid bacteria and yeast gives the sake a tangy and fruity that spreads lightly in the mouth.

L – R: 9th Master Yanai Kensei; Ibuki

Toyokuni Brewery has over 180 years of history in Fukushima. Taking into consideration the change in climate and rice quality every year, 9th Master Yanai Kensei makes every effort to ensure that his customers will be satisfied with the sake he produces. His passion for sake-making made it possible for him to create one of the brewery’s main products – Ibuki; a sweet sake with a touch of savouriness and astringency, creating an overall well-balanced flavour that is sure to please.

*A short survey will be conducted at the end of the tasting event

BRING HOME A KEYCHAIN OF FUKUSHIMA’S LEGENDARY AKABEKO

14 to 30 November 2022

Order the monthly special Fukushima dish and like Travel Fukushima Japan’s Facebook to redeem a keychain of Fukushima’s legendary Akabeko, or red bull – a well-known symbol of the Aizu region – while stocks last!

The *Aizu Sauce Katsudon ($18++ dine-in; $18 nett takeaway) consists of a pork cutlet don drizzled with Aizu miso and a side of ika ninjin – a traditional dish of dried squid strips and carrots in a light aromatic soy sauce dressing.

*Available for dine-in and takeaway from Monday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 9.30pm; Sunday, 11am to 8pm.

DISCOVER MORE FUKUSHIMA TREASURES

1 to 30 November 2022

Rena Takeda visits businesses that were affected by the tsunami

Bring home Fukushima products that are exclusive to JAPAN RAIL CAFE, including Aizu Tenpo yuzu miso and spicy miso; Horaiya amazake (fermented rice drink); and Hanaharu sake brewery’s Yume no Kanade Junmai Daiginjo. 

A panel exhibition introducing the charms of Fukushima will also be ongoing throughout the month of November – daily from 11am to 7pm, where one and all can discover more about Fukushima’s beauty and gain travel inspiration!

EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS ON FUKUSHIMA 

1 to 30 November 2022

Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, a project was kickstarted to raise awareness of the prefecture as well as to dispel misconceptions. Actress Rena Takeda, a Fukushima native, is the project ambassador, and is featured in the educational videos – Food Camp and Hamanoeki Matsukawaura that will be screened in JAPAN RAIL CAFE. She will reintroduce the businesses that were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake as she learns more about the steps they are taking to recover.

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JAPAN RAIL CAFE is open to any requests for interviews. 
A media tasting session is available on 2 November 2022, Wednesday, 2pm to 6pm. To RSVP, please contact:
East Japan Railway Company Singapore Branch

Julia Yee
HP: 9834 7231
Email: julia@jreast.sg