Here’s a detailed article about the Japanese seasoning cooking class in Shenzhen, based on the JETRO news you provided, written in an easy-to-understand manner:
Savoring Japan: Shenzhen Hosts Inaugural Japanese Seasoning Cooking Class
Shenzhen, China – July 3, 2025 – Food enthusiasts in Shenzhen are getting a taste of authentic Japanese flavors as a new cooking class focused on Japanese seasonings was successfully launched today, July 3, 2025, at 2:00 AM. Organized to promote Japanese cuisine and ingredients, the event provided participants with a hands-on experience in using popular Japanese seasonings to create delicious dishes.
The initiative, brought to you by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), aims to broaden the understanding and appreciation of Japanese culinary culture within China. Shenzhen, a vibrant and rapidly growing metropolis known for its dynamic food scene and cosmopolitan population, was chosen as the ideal location for this pioneering event.
What is a Japanese Seasoning Cooking Class?
Essentially, this class is a culinary workshop where participants learn to cook authentic Japanese dishes using a variety of Japanese seasonings. These seasonings are the backbone of Japanese cuisine, contributing to its characteristic umami-rich, balanced, and often subtle flavors.
Key Japanese Seasonings Likely Featured:
While the specific ingredients weren’t detailed in the announcement, a class like this would typically highlight essential Japanese flavorings such as:
- Soy Sauce (Shoyu): The fundamental building block of Japanese cooking, offering saltiness and umami. Different types exist, like light soy sauce (usukuchi) for color and dark soy sauce (koikuchi) for richer flavor.
- Miso: Fermented soybean paste, a powerhouse of umami and savory depth. It comes in various types, including red miso (akamiso), white miso (shiromiso), and mixed miso (awamori miso), each with a distinct flavor profile.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine used for adding sweetness, gloss, and a subtle alcoholic aroma to dishes. It’s crucial for achieving that authentic Japanese sheen on grilled or simmered foods.
- Sake: Japanese rice wine, used for tenderizing meat, removing odors from fish, and adding a delicate flavor.
- Dashi: The foundational stock of Japanese cuisine, typically made from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). It provides a light, clean, and deeply savory base for many soups, sauces, and simmered dishes.
- Vinegar (Su): Japanese rice vinegar is milder and sweeter than Western vinegars, perfect for sushi rice, dressings, and pickles.
- Sugar (Satō): Used to balance saltiness and umami, particularly in marinades and sauces.
What Participants Likely Experienced:
Attendees of this cooking class would have been guided through the process of preparing several popular Japanese dishes. This could have included:
- Learning about the individual flavors and uses of each seasoning.
- Mastering techniques for creating balanced sauces and marinades.
- Preparing iconic dishes such as teriyaki chicken, miso soup, sushi rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Understanding the importance of dashi as a flavor base.
- Gaining insights into the culinary philosophy behind Japanese cooking, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and harmonious flavors.
Why is This Event Important?
This cooking class serves several key purposes:
- Promoting Japanese Food Culture: It introduces a wider audience to the nuances and delights of Japanese cuisine beyond sushi and sashimi.
- Boosting Demand for Japanese Ingredients: By demonstrating how to use these seasonings effectively, the event aims to encourage consumers to purchase and incorporate them into their own cooking.
- Facilitating Business Opportunities: For Japanese food manufacturers and exporters, this event can create new market opportunities and strengthen relationships with Chinese consumers and businesses.
- Cultural Exchange: Food is a powerful connector, and events like this foster greater understanding and appreciation between Japan and China.
The successful launch of this Japanese seasoning cooking class in Shenzhen signifies a growing interest in authentic international culinary experiences in China. JETRO’s efforts in organizing such events play a vital role in bridging cultural divides and fostering economic ties through the shared love of delicious food.
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-03 02:00, ‘広東省深セン市で日本調味料使用のクッキング体験教室を開催’ was published according to 日本貿易振興機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.