A Culinary Journey Through Aomori: Discovering Japan’s Northern Flavours
On 11 December 2024, the spotlight was on Aomori Prefecture, the northern gem of Japan known for its pristine landscapes, rich culture, and exceptional delicacies. Hosted at the elegant residence of Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa, the Aomori Food and Tourism Reception 2024 offered guests a unique opportunity to experience Aomori’s finest flavours and traditions in the heart of Singapore.
The event began with warm greetings from the Ambassador of Japan and Governor Sõichirõ Miyashita, who both emphasised Aomori’s dedication to sharing its rich culinary heritage with the world. This was followed by a presentation on the prefecture’s efforts to promote its renowned produce, highlighting Aomori as not only a food haven but also a must-visit destination for cultural exploration.
Mutsu City: The Gateway to Aomori’s Natural and Cultural Splendour
Source: Amazing Aomori
Nestled in the northernmost part of Aomori Prefecture, Mutsu City is a picturesque region surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and the pristine waters of Mutsu Bay. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, the city is a gateway to some of Aomori’s most iconic attractions and traditions.
Source: Amazing Aomori
Its most iconic site, Osorezan (Mount Osore), known as the “Gateway to the Afterlife”, offers a unique and tranquil experience with its volcanic landscapes and Lake Usori. The city is also renowned for Mutsu Bay scallops, celebrated for their sweetness and versatility. Visitors can unwind in the city’s natural hot springs while taking in its seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to snowy vistas in winter. Mutsu City perfectly combines serene landscapes, cultural depth, and gastronomic excellence, making it a key highlight of Aomori Prefecture.
A Taste of Aomori
The heart of the event was undoubtedly the tasting session, where guests indulged in a carefully curated selection of Aomori’s most iconic delicacies:
Next, the essence of Aomori Prefecture is showcased through its renowned sushi offerings. Oma Tuna Sushi showcases premium bluefin tuna from Ōma Town, famed for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavour and prized as one of Japan's finest tunas.
Aomori Salmon Sushi features the region’s rich, flavourful salmon, renowned for its exceptional freshness and high quality. Aomori's cool, clean waters are ideal for producing plump, fatty salmon, which is often enjoyed raw in sushi for its smooth texture and delicate taste.
Mutsu Bay Scallop Sushi celebrates the delicate sweetness and tender texture of scallops harvested from Mutsu Bay, a region known for producing some of Japan's best shellfish. It is a versatile ingredient and pairs well with any dish.
Yamakake Gunkan is a unique and flavorful sushi that features a soft mound of grated yam (yamakake) on top of vinegared rice, often paired with a slice of fresh fish, like tuna. The creamy texture of the yam beautifully complements the freshness of the fish, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Deep-Fried Aomori Garlic offers a crunchy, aromatic experience, with Aomori garlic known for its rich, bold flavor. When deep-fried, the garlic becomes crispy and adds a savory, caramelized note that enhances various dishes, offering a distinctive taste of Aomori's renowned agricultural products.
Barayaki is a flavourful, local dish from Aomori, typically made with grilled meat (often beef or chicken) glazed in a sweet-savory sauce. The rich, umami-filled glaze gives the dish a satisfying depth of flavor, making it a favorite in the region.
These dishes showcase the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Aomori, combining fresh ingredients with bold flavors for an unforgettable taste of the region.
Aomori Apples: The Pride of Japan
Aomori Prefecture is synonymous with apples. As the leading apple-producing region in Japan, Aomori accounts for nearly 60% of the nation’s apple production, making it a global leader in quality and innovation.
Grown in Aomori Prefecture's ideal climate with cool temperatures, ample sunlight, and fertile soil, these apples are celebrated for their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Key varieties include the globally acclaimed Fuji apples, known for their crisp texture and balanced flavor, and the honey-sweet Orin apples. Aomori farmers employ meticulous techniques, such as hand-picking and blossom thinning, to ensure premium quality. Enjoyed fresh, dried, or as juices and desserts, Aomori apples showcase Japan’s dedication to agricultural excellence and are a symbol of the region’s rich heritage.
A Cultural Showcase
The cultural journey continued with an Aomori traditional dance performance, which offered a glimpse into Aomori’s vibrant traditions and artistry. The rhythmic movements and colourful costumes highlighted the region’s rich heritage, filled with energy, colour and local pride.
The combination of exquisite flavours, captivating performances, and heartfelt presentations created an immersive experience that transported guests to the snowy landscapes and fertile fields of Aomori.
Aomori’s Commitment to Global Connection
This event as well as the preceding Aomori event at Japan Creative Centre on 8 March 2024, play a pivotal role in connecting Aomori to Singapore and the rest of the world. From the sweetness of its apples to the umami richness of its tuna, Aomori is not just a producer of food—it’s a storyteller. Every ingredient is a testament to the region’s natural bounty, hard work, and dedication to quality.
As the evening came to a close, guests left with a deeper appreciation for Aomori’s culinary excellence and cultural depth, along with a renewed desire to visit this enchanting region of Japan.
*This article is brought to you in partnership with Aomori Prefecture.
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On 11 December 2024, Aomori Prefecture wowed guests at the Aomori Food and Tourism Reception 2024, hosted at the residence of Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa. Guests were treated to a delightful showcase of Aomori’s finest delicacies, while immersing themselves in the region's rich culture.
Curious to discover more about Aomori’s unique charms? Read the full story here!