Latest news with #Expo2025
Euronews
2 hours ago
- General
- Euronews
Osaka's Expo 2025 is shining a spotlight on Japan's fusion cuisine
In the buzzing crowd at Expo 2025 in Osaka a small line is starting to form, curling around the Tasty Japan food stall. The rumour that rice-guru Sumidaya Shoten is about to serve up some 'curry rice' samples is quickly confirmed as a trolley laden with spoonfuls of thick sauce and sticky white rice emerges from behind the scenes. I manage to secure a spoonful, and it's just as brightly spiced and satisfyingly tangy as everyone had promised. As the samples are savoured there's time to reflect on the fact that this cherished Japanese national dish actually owes its origins to Indian food-loving English sailors arriving on their shores. In fact, curry rice is a perfect example of Yōshoku, Japanese fusion cuisine that simmers local tastes with culinary influences from around the world. Now, the Japanese government is keen to share these Yōshoku dishes with a wider audience, and the Expo 2025 event is part of an effort to explain the history of these recipes and why they hold a special place in the hearts of Japanese people. Food researcher Yuriko Aoki argues that ancient Japanese cuisine based on vegetables, fish, and rice was almost 'too healthy' before it began to incorporate Western influences. For many centuries it was forbidden for the Japanese to eat meat, and local cuisine 'did not contain enough nutrition', she explains. Long isolated from the rest of the world, her countrymen realised that they were often physically shorter than Dutch or Portuguese visitors, and so the move towards eating more pork and beef began to take hold in the early 20th Century. A perfect example of Yōshoku is Tonkatsu, a thick cutlet of pork, deep-fried and served with shredded cabbage and Worcestershire sauce, plus a bowl of short grain Japanese rice. Tonkatsu is a common sight in school and workplace canteens, and its name drops a heavy hint to its fusion cuisine past, as the word 'ton' means pork, and 'katsu' is a Japanese version of the Franco-British words 'cutlet' and 'côtelette'. Since then, different regions of Japan have created their own varieties of Tonkatsu, either switching to a veal cutlet, or the Miso Katsu, served with a miso sauce. I'm not alone in enjoying these specialties, either, as a recent survey found that 42% of foreign visitors had eaten Tonkatsu during their trip to Japan. What's more, according to JFOODO, the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center, the number of Japanese restaurants worldwide is now over 180,000, a figure which has grown threefold in the past decade. The country's wider culinary traditions are also gaining influence in some of the highest-quality restaurants around the globe, with the focus on high-quality and sustainably-sourced ingredients plus low-fat recipes chiming with both chefs and their customers. A panel of Michelin-starred chefs at Expo 2025 revealed some of the latest ideas for weaving Japanese food concepts into local dishes. Kyle Connaughton, the chef from SingleThread Farm on the west coast of America explained to the audience how he was inspired by the traditional Japanese takiawase vegetable soup to create a Californian salad-style version using home-grown red and green manganchi peppers. Meanwhile Mauro Calogreco, the Argentinian chef at the Mirazur restaurant in the south of France described a new recipe for duck with red seaweed and red shiso, an aromatic herb that's described as tasting half-way between mint and basil. Thai chef Chaudaree 'Tam' Debhakam from the Baan Tepa restaurant in Bangkok explained how she is now pairing rare Japanese Noto beef with what she describes as a 'blackened' Thai curry that compliments the rich flavour of the fatty meat. The addition of Thai tropical fruits and Thai jasmine rice cooked in Japanese bamboo leaves completes a perfect fusion dish. Looking ahead, all of the chefs at the Expo 2025 panel debate underlined the need to consume sustainably sourced ingredients. Chef Yoshihiro Murata from the iconic Kikunoi restaurant in Kyoto also advocated for a reduced intake of animal proteins in general, telling the crowd: "We all need to think about balance, and produce vegetables and make dishes with vegetables. I think it is a good idea to make a dish in which vegetables make up more than half of the entire course." At the heart of all of these recipes is the freshness and taste of the ingredients. Japanese cuisine gives great emphasis to the pure flavour of herbs, vegetables, seafood, fish and meat, offering them a chance to stand alone on the plate and the palate. To support them, you'll always find a bowl of plump Japanese rice. Food researcher Yuriko Aoki says that this humble crop carefully cultivated across the archipelago is actually her favourite Japanese speciality. "New rice can be eaten with just a dash of salt, it's delicious enough on its own," she smiles.
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Highlights Higher Education At Expo 2025 Osaka
PUTRAJAYA, July 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is promoting its higher education capabilities at Expo 2025 Osaka, with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) hosting Higher Education Week at the Malaysia Pavilion from July 21 to 26. In a statement, KPT said that more than 20 universities and agencies are participating to showcase the country's academic strengths, research excellence and openness to international collaboration under the theme 'Study in Malaysia'. The programme was officially launched online today by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. KPT said the initiative aims to attract more international students while highlighting the global impact of Malaysian institutions through high-impact research and innovation. Malaysia's presence at the Pavilion, coordinated by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), reinforces its position as a regional education hub offering internationally recognised programmes with local relevance. In his speech, Zambry said Malaysia's higher education landscape continues to evolve as a regional hub offering internationally recognised programmes enriched with local strengths. KPT also introduced the Edutourism Gateway, a digital platform that combines learning and tourism to enhance Malaysia's appeal as a study-abroad destination. It noted that Malaysia remains a top study destination for international students due to globally accredited programmes, highly ranked institutions, affordable education and living costs, safety and its unique multicultural society. Activities during the week include exhibitions, innovation showcases, sharing sessions and the signing of strategic partnerships involving public and private higher learning institutions.
Euronews
a day ago
- Health
- Euronews
Expo 2025 tackles sustainable food and next-gen healthcare
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the country is using its national strengths—craftsmanship, cuisine, and cutting-edge science—to address urgent global challenges. During the Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Theme Week, food took centre stage, with a focus on sustainable practices deeply rooted in Japanese joined craftspeople to build a traditional kioke barrel, used for fermenting soy sauce, symbolising collaboration in sustainability. Inside the Relay the Food exhibition, discussions focused on nutrition and planetary health, Michelin-starred chef Murata Yoshihiro, CEO and Executive Chef of Kikunoi, underscored the low-carbon benefits of Japanese cuisine, which is vegetable-centred, light on meat, and often made without oil. 'This way of cooking and thinking,' he said, 'is a plus for global health.' João Campari, Global Lead for Food and Agriculture at WWF International, warned that food waste is a critical problem: 'We're wasting about 40% of all food produced,' he said, citing climate-related crop issues and inadequate storage. Health innovation took the spotlight during the Health and Well-Being Theme Week. Professor Sawa Yoshiki, a leading cardiac surgeon and Specially-Appointed Professor at University of Osaka, showcased progress in regenerative therapy using iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells. 'To overcome the heart failure pandemic,' he said, 'organ failure should be controlled by iPS cells. It is very promising.' Artificial intelligence is also making inroads in medicine. Belgian immunologist Professor Damya Laoui sees AI as key to personalising cancer treatments: 'We're moving towards combination therapies tailored to each patient. That's where AI could help us.'
CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Entertainment expo draws large crowds in Saint John
Atlantic Watch Thousands of Maritime pop-culture fans made their way to Saint John, N.B., this weekend for the 2025 Atlantic Entertainment Expo.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi fashion could be the next big thing after Paris and Milan: Here's why
Saudi designers showcase modern interpretations of heritage garments at Expo 2025 Osaka, led by the Fashion Commission/ Image: SPA TL;DR The Saudi Fashion Commission made a strong impression at Expo 2025 Osaka with a day of programs celebrating education, culture, and emerging design. Local designers are reshaping Saudi Arabia's image by blending heritage and innovation in thoughtful, authentic ways. The industry is embracing sustainability, supporting talent, and becoming a real part of the country's economic and cultural growth. Saudi Arabia's fashion industry is undergoing a deliberate transformation. As part of the country's broader cultural and creative development efforts, fashion is being approached as a platform for education, heritage preservation, and local talent development. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Saudi Fashion Commission demonstrated this shift through a dedicated day of programming at the Saudi Pavilion. The event included panel discussions, educational sessions, and a curated exhibition of contemporary design work. The aim was to provide a grounded look at how fashion in Saudi Arabia is being shaped by its own narratives and priorities. Designs Rooted in Heritage and Education The exhibition featured ten garments drawn from two major initiatives supported by the Fashion Commission. These pieces reflected active programs designed to support emerging designers through hands-on learning and cultural exploration. Saudi Heritage Revival Program : In collaboration with Swarovski , this program involved 26 Saudi designers who were tasked with translating traditional Saudi heritage into modern, sustainable fashion. Using eco-conscious materials, including Swarovski's renewed crystals, participants created designs that integrated historical elements with future-oriented craftsmanship. Selected designers received opportunities for international exposure, such as a residency at Dar Al Hanouf and participation in a Swarovski-hosted academic competition. Traditional Handcrafts in Contemporary Design: This initiative brought together 25 designers in early 2025 for an intensive workshop focused on Saudi architecture, textiles, and artisanal methods. The garments produced during the program reinterpret traditional forms into updated silhouettes. Initially showcased at the Saudi Cup, these works are now part of an international exhibition circuit, with Osaka as a significant stop. These initiatives fall under the Fashion Commission's Education and Talent Development track, which focuses on building foundational skills and career pathways for young designers. Focus on Cultural Continuity A recurring theme during the Osaka event was the importance of maintaining cultural continuity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like for Working Pros BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo Rather than discarding tradition, designers are being trained to reinterpret it with relevance to contemporary contexts. In a panel discussion, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission Burak Cakmak highlighted the value of intellectual and cultural exchange. He described Saudi design as a means of connecting tradition with modern life, rooted in heritage but accessible to a global audience. International participants echoed this sentiment, noting shared values between Saudi and Japanese design traditions. These included a respect for craftsmanship, narrative through clothing, and attention to detail. The garments on display reflected these themes. Each piece was tied to place, memory, and community, showcasing fashion not just as product, but as cultural expression. Saudi Fashion Is Becoming an Industry, Not Just a Scene The Commission's work doesn't end with exhibitions. It's helping build an entire ecosystem that supports the fashion sector from the ground up. That includes training programs, mentorship, international collaborations, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and production at home. Designers like Mohammed Khoja, founder of Hindamme, and Yousef Akbar are already proving what's possible. Khoja's work draws heavily on Saudi heritage, using design to tell stories about tourism, tradition, and national identity in a fresh, modern way. Akbar focuses on sustainability, using recycled fabrics and digital tools to cut waste. His studio is paperless, and his designs are meant to last, not just for a season, but for years. Both designers agree: this is a moment of transformation. Saudi fashion is gaining global attention, and with the right support, it could soon become a key part of the country's creative economy. What is Saudi Fashion Commission? Established in 2020, the Saudi Fashion Commission was created to oversee, regulate, and grow the Kingdom's fashion sector. It works under the Ministry of Culture and is one of eleven cultural commissions that form part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan. Here's what it does: Develops and implements national strategies for fashion Licenses and supports all fashion-related activities in the Kingdom Hosts events, competitions, and exhibitions Promotes research and education in traditional and modern design Builds local supply chains to support self-sufficiency Represents Saudi fashion in global forums Its structure is formal, but its mission is personal, develop talent, protect heritage, and make Saudi fashion globally relevant without losing its soul. What This All Means Moving Forward Saudi Arabia's fashion industry is no longer on the sidelines. It's becoming a serious space for creativity, commerce, and cultural expression. And it's doing so on its own terms. From Riyadh to Jeddah, young designers are learning, experimenting, and building something bigger than a trend. They're building a new identity for Saudi fashion, one that honors the past but looks ahead with confidence. The Fashion Commission isn't trying to copy global models. It's doing something more important: creating a fashion ecosystem that fits Saudi Arabia, supports its people, and opens space for real innovation. FAQs 1. What does the Saudi Fashion Commission do exactly? It supports the development of the fashion sector across Saudi Arabia, from education and training to event organization, international partnerships, and regulation. 2. How is sustainability being addressed in the Saudi fashion industry? Designers and programs are focusing on recycled materials, reduced waste, and ethical production. The Commission also promotes sustainability through its programs and competitions. 3. Why is fashion important to Saudi Vision 2030? Fashion supports job creation, cultural exchange, and economic diversification. It also helps shape the country's image and boosts national pride.
