In response to the registration of traditional Japanese cuisine"washoku"as UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will hold a washoku-promoting event in Florence, Italy, on January 21-23, 2014 so that people overseas can appreciate the allure of washoku. The event will offer visitors an opportunity for tasting Japanese sake (rice wine) and promote Japanese cuisine.

Washoku was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List on December 4, 2013, at the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from December 2 through 7. Listed as "Washoku: Traditional Japanese Dietary Cultures,"washoku is a valuable dietary culture nurtured by Japanese people's soul which"respects nature."It is sincerely hoped that its registration as UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage will bring courage and pride to all those who cherish their native culinary cultures and protect them.

Outline of Event in Florence, Italy:

1. Introduction of Japanese sake & delicious cuisine (both Japanese and Italian)

  Italian and Japanese chefs will showcase tasty appetizers that go nicely with Japanese sake. Publicity activities will also be conducted to promote Japanese sake.

-- Date: January 21 (Tuesday), 2014

-- Venue:"Camera dell'arme,"Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

2. Demonstration of cooking by Italian chefs using Japanese foodstuffs and sake

  A demonstration will be conducted for Japanese sake and a dinner will be offered with the theme of"dashi"(Japanese-style soup stock). Thinking about washoku will thus be introduced and at the same time information on washoku culture will be sent out from Florence, a hub of Italian cuisine.

-- Date: January 21 (Tuesday), 2014

-- Venue: Teatro del Sale (annex to restaurant"Cibreo"), Florence

3. Exchange of Japanese and Italian cooking experts, educators and cooking schools

  An exchange event among Japanese and Italian cooking schools; also involving Italian educators in the food sector and students interested in food.

-- Date: January 23 (Thursday), 2014

-- Venue: IPSSAR Istituto Professionale Servizi per l'enogastronomia e l'ospitalita

alberghiera, Florence