The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan recently announced a collaboration with Godrej Nature's Basket to run three antenna shops in India (located in Juhu - Mumbai, Defence Colony - New Delhi, and Banjara Hill Road - Hyderabad) during the period 1 February to 25 March 2012.

Japanese food is world renowned as a healthy, attractive and delicious cuisine, with Sushi becoming quite popular now in India. There is significant growth in the distribution and consumption of Japanese food in the country, especially in key metros. This project is an extension of past projects that have promoted Japanese food in India, including projects by MAFF and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), but it is the first time that MAFF has taken the project to New Delhi and Hyderabad.

Comments:

In starting the project, MAFF commented:

"First of all, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone in India who has extended their support towards Japan following the 11 March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. We are pleased to introduce Japanese food products in India, in the three cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. As you may know, Japan is blessed with four distinct seasons, majestic mountains and pure water, surrounded by seas with abundant natural resources. Our country, given such favourable conditions, has developed cultures in our various regions, each with its unique, vibrant agricultural and fisheries industries.

In these regions, by virtue of Japan's unique sensibilities of beauty, attention to detail, as well as years of working towards polishing techniques, these natural resources have given birth not only to very tasty products, but food products which are a sight to behold.

We would be delighted if you would visit the antenna shops in the three cities and enjoy attractive Japanese food products."

His Excellency Ambassador Akitaka Saiki, Ambassador of Japan to India, commented:

"Amid the expansion of Japan-India relations in various spheres, I am pleased to attend this event with a view to promoting Japanese food to people in India. Japan and India have cultural connections historically. Indian "curry and rice" is very popular in Japanese home cooking, and therefore has a long history in Japan. Sushi is well known for its beautiful appearance, delicate taste, and for being nutritionally well-balanced. As the number of Japanese restaurant grows, Japanese cuisine is becoming popular in India. Through 'Taste Japan', which is designated as one of the projects of the 60th anniversary of Japan-India diplomatic relations, we hope that Japanese food items will be more accessible to ordinary Indians and will also contribute to further strengthening bilateral business and cultural ties."