Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Ambassadors of Gulf Cooperation Council countries in Tokyo, known for their role in fostering international relations and cultural exchange, participated in a significant grape-tasting event hosted by the Oman Embassy.

The event showcased the produce from Yamanashi Prefecture, a region known for its top-quality grapes, and provided a unique opportunity for the ambassadors to experience and appreciate Japanese agricultural excellence.

Five main grapes were served, and an expert explained each grape’s production process and features.

Yamanashi Prefecture is the largest grape-producing prefecture in Japan, responsible for more than a quarter of the nation’s grapes. Mountains surround the prefecture and have no connection with the ocean, giving it an inland climate with a large temperature difference between day and night, an essential condition for producing delicious grapes.

Grapes’ history dates to 4000 BC, and their cultivation is depicted in murals of ancient Egypt. Grapes are said to have reached Japan via the Middle East and Europe, crossed the Silk Road to China, and then been introduced from China to Japan during the Nara Period (710-784).

The five grape varieties in Yamanashi are Kyoho, Kai King, Shine Muscat, Sunshine Red, and Queen Nina.

“They taste different in terms of the sweetness and the thickness of the skin,” said Bahrain Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Al-Dosari. “This is a great opportunity to experience such diversity in one produce. I hope to expand it to other produce than grapes.”

Oman Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Said Albusaidi hailed the grapes as “the finest grapes in the world.” His words echoed the collective admiration of the ambassadors for the produce.

“I doubt any grapes can rival this quality and flavor,” he remarked. “We often overlook the toil of farmers. They labor tirelessly to bring us, the consumers, these wonderful products. Theirs is a job of immense difficulty, yet they manage to produce such marvels. We must always remember and honor their hard work and achievements.”

Qatari diplomat Nasser Alkaabi agreed. “I think I tasted the best grapes in the world,” he said. “But it’s not just a great taste; you can feel the dedication of the farmers.”

UAE Ambassador Shihab Alfaheem emphasized the educational aspect of the event, stating, “For me, this was more than just a tasting experience. I came out of this event with a wealth of knowledge about Japanese grapes and their production process. It was truly an educational experience.”

Kuwait Ambassador Sami Al-Zamanan expressed his enthusiasm for the potential business opportunities in the Japanese grape industry. He stated, “This event marks the first step towards establishing fruitful business relations. We look forward to exploring and expanding our business ventures in the future, potentially diversifying our trade portfolio with Japan.”

Saudi Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr concurred: “It was a truly beautiful event, one that I’d like to see more of when we get together. I am left with an incredible experience. Each grape tasted completely different, and I’m amazed by that.”

Dr. Binzagr added that he was impressed by the public-private partnership that “was taken to the next level over the course of many years to develop an industry that in time has become standard in Japan and I feel in the coming years probably will be taken to the world as a kind of niche area in fruits.”

“Because we have spent so many centuries developing dates in the Arabian Peninsula, there is an opportunity for exchange between the Japanese and our Saudi farmers and something new that can strengthen the cultural and agriculture exchange between your world and ours, the Saudi Ambassador said.