Food Security Seminar

On October 10th, the Embassy of Japan in the Solomon Islands held a food security seminar for the media to introduce healthy meals using ingredients that are easily available in Solomon Islands as well as traditional Japanese cuisine, “Washoku” that is known as a healthy food and registered as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Six journalists from six local media participated in this seminar. This seminar was given to introduce “Washoku” (traditional Japanese cuisine) and healthy food on the theme of food security.

During the opening remarks, Ambassador MIWA Yoshiaki explained Japan’s efforts to tackle NCDs issue in the country through the cooperation with Solomon Islands Government. He mentioned JICA’s projects such as “Health Village” conducted from 2016 to 2020 and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) members’ contribution in NCDs issue. Ambassador MIWA also introduced the basic knowledge and history of “Washoku”.

As a guest speaker, Ms. Koyasu, JICA Overseas Cooperation JOCV member who was assigned to the NCDs unit at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services from 2022 to 2024 shared her two-year activity at NCDs unit and healthy dietary practices to prevent NCDs. Ms. Nevalyn Laesanau, acting director of NCDs unit of the ministry discussed the current state of NCDs in the Solomon Islands. Participants had a tasting session of healthy food grouped into three: Washoku, healthy food using ingredients from the Solomon Islands, and a healthy lunch box that Ms. Koyasu came up with based on her activities and experiences in Solomon Islands.

Related links for Washoku

・Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
【The Next Future of "Washoku"】Interview with a Culinary Researcher －Digest Version－
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5TMpd3v3ms
【The Next Future of "Washoku"】Interview with a Culinary Researcher　－Naoyuki Yanagihara－
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFxupnG7xXc

・UNESCO
Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtnwt-Jq93E

・Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The Washoku Way -Japan's Nuanced Approach to Food- 
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/shokusan/gaisyoku/pamphlet/pdf/washoku_english.pdf

Related Links for articles and broadcasts

1. Tavuli News“Japan Hosts Seminar on Local Food Program to Combat NCDs”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfTgCmuH6Zc
(Broadcasted on October 11^th, 2024)
 
2. Solomon Star“Japan, SI join forces to combat NCDs”
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/japan-si-join-forces-to-combat-ncds/
(Published on October 13^th)
 
“Six die daily from NCD”
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/six-die-daily-from-ncd/
(Published on October 14^th)
 
3. Solomon Business Magazine“Japan helps to fight NCD with creation of local healthy dishes”
https://sbm.sb/japan-helps-to-fight-ncd-with-creation-of-local-healthy-dishes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF6foRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbma2B99mdJZex9UkNHBWlyRBXfnwPrHwrvZlZ2sFam5U19jYIdx0fTZew_aem_LMgxTiC5ItffbR10xbA1KA
(Published on October 10^th)
 
https://www.facebook.com/rliroga/videos/463733916678517
(Published on October 11^th)
 
4. Solomon Islands Broadcasting Cooperation“NCD Workshop”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WNLEmv0ZZ8
Broadcast ( published on October 14^th, The report starts from 19：25～)

5. In-depth Solomons
“You are what you eat: Japan shows the way to healthy eating”
https://indepthsolomons.com.sb/you-are-what-you-eat-japan-shows-the-way-to-healthy-eating/
(Published on October 28^th)