Japan Explores Culinary Opportunities in Northwest Arkansas
International food diplomacy is taking a significant step forward as Japan’s state minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Norikazu Suzuki, recently visited Northwest Arkansas to explore potential trade opportunities. During his visit, Suzuki expressed optimism about the future of trade with Arkansas, particularly in the realm of rice cultivation.
Suzuki and his delegation toured local facilities with Phil Libin and Hitoshi Hokamura of All Turtles, and Bentoville co-founder and CEO. The group discussed how Arkansas could cultivate varieties of rice that would appeal to Japanese consumers. Japan is facing a rice shortage, and sourcing high-quality rice from Arkansas could help mitigate this issue.
- Rural Tourism is a key area of interest for Suzuki, who hopes to apply the successful model of Bentonville’s mountain biking trails to revitalize rural Japan. As an avid mountain biker himself, he plans to return with his family to experience the trails firsthand.
Food and drink are integral to the cultural identity of both Japan and Northwest Arkansas. Beyond rice, Suzuki sees opportunities for the exchange of traditional Japanese culinary techniques and ingredients. Brightwater, NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s center for food studies, is preparing a presentation to facilitate a study-abroad program that will bring Japanese chefs to Northwest Arkansas to train teachers in fermentation and butchery techniques.
The Bentoville concept, led by Michelin-starred chefs from Japan, is redefining the local food scene. This new dining experience combines world-class culinary art with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From sumptuous bento boxes to seasonal food concerts, Bentoville is poised to elevate the region’s culinary landscape.
This visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Northwest Arkansas. Both parties are eager to continue the informal exchange and hopefully establish a formal agreement that will enhance the culinary connection between the two regions.
Opportunities in Rice and Rural Tourism
Japan imported approximately 4 million in rice from the U.S. in 2023, but nearly none of it was from Arkansas, despite the state producing nearly half of the U.S.’s total rice. By collaborating with Arkansas farmers, Japan hopes to increase the variety of rice available to its consumers.
Suzuki and his team are also interested in applying successful rural development strategies from Northwest Arkansas to rural Japan. This includes mimicking the mountain biking trails to promote tourism and stimulate local economies.
Food Diplomacy and Exchange
One key aspect of Suzuki’s visit was the cultural exchange centered around food. Illustrative of this is a lunch at Bentoville, where Suzuki’s deputies were impressed by the quality of the meal. This exemplifies Japan’s focus on maintaining centuries-old culinary techniques that are deeply ingrained in its cultural heritage.
Bentoville, led by Michelin-starred chefs, is part of this exchange by introducing local diners to elevated Japanese dining experiences. The center hopes to send students to Japan for study-abroad programs, and in return, bring Japanese chefs to Northwest Arkansas to train teachers in traditional culinary techniques.
The growth of tourism to Japan, which recently saw a record 3.3 million foreign visitors, is another area where food and cultural exchange can play a significant role in boosting the local economy.
