Latest news with #MasayoshiSakamoto
Japan Today
25-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Toyama governor declares ambition to make prefecture sushi capital of Japan
By Masayoshi Sakamoto What comes to mind when you think of Japan's most iconic cuisine? For many, the answer is likely sushi. In a 2023 survey by Norinchukin Bank targeting inbound tourists, sushi was named the 'most delicious meal' visitors had during their stay in Japan. If Japan is sushi's global home, where within Japan does it truly belong? For many foreign visitors, few connect it with one specific place. After all, high-quality sushi can be enjoyed all over the country. Still, one local government is hoping to change that. As part of a bold regional branding project, Toyama Prefecture has declared itself Japan's new sushi capital. Toyama declares itself the sushi capital of Japan Governor Nitta announces the Sushi Capital project. Image: Toyama Prefecture Sushi — or more precisely nigiri-zushi (slices of raw fish atop seasoned rice) was born in Tokyo (then Edo) in the early 1800s. So it came as a surprise when, at the end of 2023, the Toyama Prefectural Government's Public Relations and Branding Promotion Office held a press conference to declare itself the new capital of the sushi world. At the time, I happened to be visiting a famous sushi restaurant in Tokyo. I asked the chef, 'Toyama is calling itself the capital of sushi now. What do you think?' He simply scoffed and said nothing more. Still, Toyama's claim isn't without merit. There's logic behind the bold move. One of the most crucial components of good sushi is the seafood. Governor Hachiro Nitta explains that Toyama Bay — often called 'a natural live fish tank' — is home to around 500 species of fish. This rich marine biodiversity, he says, is what makes Toyama's sushi so appealing. The sea floor of Toyama Bay plunges steeply close to shore, meaning fishing grounds are near the ports. This allows fish to be brought in fresh, sometimes caught just offshore using set nets, a traditional method well-suited to catching sushi-grade seafood. Toyama also ranks high in rice production. When measured by production per unit of suitable farmland, the prefecture ranks among Japan's best. Despite having limited arable land, its rice-growing output is top-class. Governor Nitta continues that the real appeal of Toyama sushi lies in the skill of chefs, who identify the perfect timing to capture both the crunchy texture of the seafood and the peak of its umami flavor. Toyama's sushi stands out not only for its ingredients but also for the craftsmanship that brings out the best in both. Nitta asserts that no other place offers quite the same experience. Inside Toyama's 10-year branding campaign Toyama sushi: A treasure trove of fresh seafood like firefly squid and glass shrimp. Image: Toyama Tourism Organization It's worth repeating: Toyama's self-declaration is part of a broader. long-term branding project. As the head of the Sushi Branding Promotion Headquarters, Governor Nitta is overseeing a 10-year project with two major goals: A 90% recognition rate outside Toyama associating the prefecture with sushi. A 90% rate of residents willing to recommend Toyama sushi to friends outside the prefecture. The initiative includes PR videos, promotional events, partnerships with local crafts and talent development in both sushi-making and aquaculture. In a playful twist, Toyama has incorporated sushi-themed designs into its official business cards. When handing them out, prefectural staff often share their favorite sushi toppings as an icebreaker. The campaign has already generated buzz. Nitta notes that more local restaurants are promoting sushi as their signature dish. Local companies have created items like sushi-themed pins, sake cups and other crafts using their project's logo. Also reportedly in development is the opening of a sushi chef training school led by the private sector. In February alone, media exposure was valued at over ¥50 million (approximately US$330,000), reinforcing the project's impact. The Toyama sushi challenge: aging chefs and rising rivals In Toyama, many sushi chefs are aging, and successors are in short supply. Image: shige hattori/Pixta Still, whether the campaign will achieve its goal remains uncertain. There were no universally accepted facts supporting Toyama's 'sushi capital of Japan' claim before this initiative. Toyama historically lags behind. According to Terutoshi Hibino's 'Sushi Dictionary,' nigiri sushi, which originated in Edo in the early 1800s, spread across Japan in the early to mid-1900s. The Toyama Prefectural Library estimates Toyama's sushi history is about 100 years behind Tokyo's. There are also demographic challenges, as well. In Toyama, many sushi chefs are aging, and successors are in short supply. A prefectural survey of local sushi restaurants found that about half of them had chefs aged 60 or older, and only about 20% had confirmed successors. Meanwhile, competition is emerging. Kitakyushu City began its own sushi-themed branding strategy in 2025. Regarding the key strength of fresh seafood, Japan is surrounded by excellent fishing grounds, and rival regions such as Hokkaido and neighboring Ishikawa Prefecture have competitive seafood products that make it difficult to claim superiority. This decade-long branding project also coincides with Governor Nitta's term in office. While the current administration appears stable, a change in leadership could jeopardize the project's continuity. Beyond sushi: Toyama's vision for regional revival Governor Nitta believes that recognitionof Toyama Prefecture will raise locals pride, revitalize the regional economy and enhance community life. Image: hiroko/Pixta While there are many points to consider, Nitta says he aims first to introduce Toyama's appeal through accessible sushi, then increase interest in the prefecture, and ultimately expand the number of people who return regularly and develop deep connections with the region. He believes that recognition and appreciation of Toyama will raise residents' sense of self-worth, contribute to the revitalization of the regional economy and enhance community life — ultimately improving well-being. Whether increased recognition through sushi can enrich local life remains to be seen, but the project is already underway. So far, reactions from residents have been mixed: some positive, some negative and some indifferent. Is Toyama worth the claim it's making? That's something that each visitor will have to decide for themselves. © Japan Today
Japan Today
06-05-2025
- Japan Today
What happens if you go to prison in Japan?
By Masayoshi Sakamoto It's a situation most foreigners don't anticipate, but it happens more often than you might think. Whether it's a drunken altercation that leads to 'self-defense' or a minor traffic violation that escalates, what happens if you end up in prison in Japan? In 2023, authorities arrested about 11,530 foreign nationals in Japan for criminal offenses, and in 2024, they deported nearly 19,000 foreigners, mostly for overstaying their visas. Knowing exactly what happens when you go to prison in Japan is important because once authorities arrest you, the system moves fast, and you have little room to negotiate or explain your way out. From the first taiho (arrest) to life inside a keimusho (prison), foreign inmates face rigid daily routines, mandatory labor, language barriers, and a long road to deportation. This article walks you through every step, so you know what to expect if you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the law here. Arrest to Trial and Incarceration How Long Can You Be Held? Arrest FAQ: What You Need to Know Where Are Foreign Nationals Incarcerated? Are Foreigners Held at Immigration Offices? What Happens When Imprisonment Begins? Life and Food in Japanese Prisons Prison Labor and Rehabilitation Exercise and Adjusting to Prison Life Consequences for Breaking Rules What Happens After You Leave Prison? Resources and Help Arrest to Trial and Incarceration When authorities arrest you in Japan, you lose control of your situation almost immediately. Communication with the outside world — including family and your employer — becomes restricted. Unless you specifically request it, police do not notify anyone about your arrest. Under [Article 39]( of the Code of Criminal Procedure, you have the right to request a meeting with a lawyer. If you're a foreign national, you can also request that your embassy be informed based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (Article 36)—but again, the police won't do this automatically unless you ask. In serious cases, like violent crimes or drug offenses, communication with anyone other than your lawyer can be restricted under Article 81 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This can mean no phone calls, no visits and no letters — and authorities can even censor or seize letters and packages — while the investigation continues. Meanwhile, investigators are working fast. Their goal is simple: Gather evidence Secure a confession Move your case forward to prosecution How Long Can You Be Held? In Japan, you can be detained for up to 23 days without being formally charged. And if you make it 23 days, don't expect to go home. Re-arrest (再逮捕, saitaiho) allows police to arrest a suspect again on new or additional charges just before the initial 23-day detention period ends. Each re-arrest restarts the detention clock, meaning a person can be held for months without a formal trial if new allegations keep appearing. Here's how the timeline works: Arrest FAQ: What You Need to Know Here are some frequently asked questions about arrests in Japan. Can I call my family or employer right away? You cannot make a call automatically. You can ask your lawyer to arrange contact, but direct calls often face delays, especially for serious charges. Will the police inform my embassy? The police will only inform your embassy if you request it. Under the Vienna Convention, foreigners have the right to embassy contact, but you must specifically ask for it. Can I meet with a lawyer immediately? You have the right to request a lawyer under Article 39. However, in practice, authorities may delay early access, and lawyers cannot attend police interrogations. What if I am accused of a minor crime? You might get released earlier without an indictment for minor crimes, but this outcome is not guaranteed. If authorities suspect you of serious crimes like assault, theft, drug offenses or financial fraud, expect detention for the full 23 days. Where Are Foreign Nationals Incarcerated? The Tokyo Detention House in Katsushika Image: Pixta Foreign nationals who do not understand Japanese can request free interpretation services during police and prosecutor investigations and the trial after indictment. Public authorities must provide this service under Article 312 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and other regulations. This continues after incarceration. Inmates with language barriers generally stay in prisons equipped with language support systems. According to the Ministry of Justice, Japan has over 60 prisons, with more than 20 offering special facilities for foreign inmates with limited Japanese proficiency. Inmates with particularly poor Japanese skills are usually assigned to: Fukushima Prison (Fukushima Prefecture) Fuchu Prison (Tokyo) Yokohama Prison (Kanagawa Prefecture) Osaka Prison (Osaka Prefecture) These prisons have set up 'International Measures Divisions' to support foreign inmates. For example, Fuchu Prison, which houses the largest number of foreign inmates, provides support from international specialists, full-time interpreters, translators from private companies, and external collaborators to assist with interpretation and translation services. Are Foreigners Held at Immigration Offices? Yes, but usually only in two cases: If authorities arrest you for an immigration violation (like overstaying your visa), they can detain you directly at an Immigration Bureau facility without going through the regular prison system. If you're a foreigner who finishes serving a criminal sentence in Japan, officials usually transfer you to immigration detention to await deportation. Immigration detention is administrative, not criminal, but authorities enforce strict conditions, and the process can take weeks or even months to complete. Detention can last for weeks, months, or even over a year in rare cases if the deportation process is delayed. Conditions are very controversial—hunger strikes, protests and deaths have been reported at some facilities.. What Happens When Imprisonment Begins? Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
