Explore Hokkaido: Tastes and Treasures from Japan’s North

This is a free event. RSVP for free admission to this discussion and reception.

This special event is co-presented by Japan Society and the Government of Hokkaido.

Japan Society invites you to spend an evening exploring Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Known for its majestic natural environment, spectacular seasonal views, adventure travel and local gourmet cuisine, it is one of Japan’s most unique regions and attracts visitors from all around the world. Tonight, we bring Hokkaido to New York City with a special event filled with stories of Hokkaido and tastings of its local delicacies. Attendees will discover Hokkaido’s culture firsthand through our on-stage talk and then enjoy its culinary treasures. Venture north with us!

On-Stage Speakers:

Tsuyoshi Mitsuhashi, Vice Governor of Hokkaido. Mitsuhashi has been part of the Hokkaido government since 1998. He has worked as the Deputy Director General of the Economic Planning Bureau, Director General of the Policy Planning Division and more. He became Vice Governor in 2024.

Kenichi Ikeura, Director and CFO of Nishiyama Seimen Co., Ltd. Nishiyama Seimen began as a popular ramen stall in Sapporo in 1947. In 1955, the company developed fresh curly yellow noodles with a stretchy and firm texture that would become the standard noodles for Sapporo-style ramen ever since. In the U.S., you can try the noodles from Nishiyama Seimen in places such as New York and Washington DC.

Kensuke Takada, Deputy Director of Sales & Marketing, International Project Team, Hotel Tsuruga Group and Ambassador of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Born in Hokkaido, Takada received his education overseas in Australia. He has presented the appeals of adventure travel in Hokkaido as an MC, speaker, translator and presenter at events around the world.

Moderated By:
Melodee Morita is a bilingual TV host, reporter, MC and content creator with over 600,000 followers. Her work includes interviewing top athletes from the NBA, MLB and NFL, as well as serving as the bilingual MC for government events with the Prime Minister of Japan. In addition, she creates YouTube videos that explore Japanese culture, beauty, health and celebrity interviews, accumulating over 30 million views. Off-camera, she collaborates with global brands as a media director, further expanding her multifaceted career.

Reception
Enjoy a glimpse of the tourist experience and a selection of renowned Hokkaido tastes…

• Sapporo Ramen – Hokkaido has a deeply-rooted ramen culture, and attendees will be able to slurp up bowls of Sapporo-style miso ramen from Nishiyama Seimen, beloved in its home of Hokkaido for decades.
• Hokkaido Sake – Sample highly-praised sake from three breweries: Otokoyama, who are highly-praised at international liquor competitions; Kobayashi, who use local ingredients from Sapporo; and Kunimare, the northernmost sake brewery in Japan. Try high-quality sake made from the fine water of Hokkaido.
• Sapporo Beer – Sapporo brand beer was first brewed in Hokkaido in 1876 by Seibei Nakagawa. Same kanpai with a glass tonight.
• Onigiri – Get a taste of Hokkaido rice with a bite of freshly made onigiri, garnished with salmon from Hokkaido.
• Snacks – Try a selection of local snacks and treats.
• VR Experience – Soar over Hokkaido’s scenery in an immersive virtual reality experience.

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Top Image: Lake Mashu

This special event is co-presented by Japan Society and the Government of Hokkaido.

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support for cultural programs is provided by an anonymous donor and the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund.