Diana Farah

DUBAI: The Japanese Consulate-General in Dubai hosted a Japanese rice promotion event on Dec. 11, showcasing various companies’ rice-based products.

The event was part of Japan and the UAE’s longstanding initiative to expand cooperation in several fields as well as further strengthen their ties.

In collaboration with the consulate, the Japan Rice and Rice Industry Export Association helped host the exhibition and brought many Japanese rice producers to the UAE.

Some of the companies that presented their products included: Kitoku Shinryo Co., Ltd., Senda Mizuho Limited, IRIS OHYAMA Inc, Dewayahei Co., Ltd, Kobayashi Seimen Co., Ltd. And Morihaku confection Co., Ltd..

The products showcased ranged from pre-packaged rice meals and rice crackers to gluten-free ramen and traditional rice packages.

Japanese Consul-General IMANISHI Jun told guests that rice was a very important part of Japanese cuisine, adding that these companies were hoping to expand their business abroad, specifically to the GCC region.

A menu was also available for tasting for attendees such as Matsutake mushroom rice, salmon broth rice, Onigiri and rice flour ramen.

Consul-General Imanishi was posted to Dubai last year and has hosted several events that focused on cultural aspects of both the UAE and Japan, further fostering the close relationship the two friendly countries enjoy.