Japanese Sushi on the menu as Dar launches traditional food exhibition

DAR ES SALAAM: THE National Museum of Tanzania, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, has officially launched a special exhibition of traditional Japanese food, Sushi, as part of educating the community about food heritage as part of the culture of nations around the world.

The launch was held at the National Museum grounds in Dar es Salaam and was attended by various guests from within and outside the country, including Japanese citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, the Director General of the National Museum, Dr Noel Lwoga, stated that the exhibition demonstrates how food can serve as a bridge to unite nations, promote tourism, and preserve the history of a community.

“Sushi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a history of over 1,000 years. Through this exhibition, we are learning how to honor and showcase food heritage as part of our national identity,” said Dr Lwoga.

He noted that Tanzania also has a vast treasure trove of indigenous foods that can be used to promote the country’s culture and stimulate food tourism, similar to countries like Japan.

“Food is part of history, it is culture. Now we are moving towards expanding the concept of tourism from wildlife tourism to food and cultural tourism, this is an opportunity for Tanzania,”.

He also said that the exhibition aims to attract domestic and foreign tourists, while providing opportunities for Tanzanians to understand and appreciate the cultures of other nations, along with learning better ways to promote their indigenous foods.

Dr Lwoga has called on Tanzanians to come out in large numbers to visit the Museum throughout the exhibition period, which will last for two weeks, to learn the history of Sushi and taste the world-famous food.

“This exhibition is a bridge of cultural diplomacy between Japan and Tanzania. We believe that food is the language of friendship and the heritage of food contributes to strengthening the relationship between nations,” he said.

For his part, the Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania, Ueda Shoichi, said the “I Love Sushi” exhibition has been organized to introduce the traditional Japanese food Sushi to Tanzanians and visitors from various countries.

Shoichi said Japan is using the exhibition as a platform to strengthen cultural understanding between the two countries.

“We believe Tanzania has a great opportunity for sushi lovers. This is an opportunity for people to come and learn about our culture through food,” he said.

Shoichi added that currently, Tanzania does not have a sushi restaurant, but the future hope is to have an official section of the food in the country.

In addition, he stressed that Japan will continue to strengthen its cooperation with Tanzania in various fields including culture.