Workshop on Lifting the Ban on Importing Polished Japanese Rice to Mexico

On March 16, 2023, the ban on the import of Japanese polished rice to Mexico was lifted. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Embassy of Japan in Mexico and JETRO jointly held a workshop on Japanese polished rice. A total of 70 people from importers, wholesalers, restaurants, retailers, government officials, media, etc. participated in the workshop. JETRO Mexico office explained about activities to promote Japanese cuisine and Japanese Food Supporter program. Next, Onigiris made with Japanese rice and ones made with California Calrose were sampled. The onigiri was prepared by Ms. Kazu KUMOTO and Mr. Yasuo ASAI, both are a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador in Mexico. The ceremony was also attended by Víctor Manuel VILLALOBOS Arámbula, Minister of Agriculture of Mexico, who commented that he hoped that not only Japanese rice but also many other Japanese food ingredients would become popular in Mexico.