Kumamoto Prefecture Highlights Food Promotion Success and Upcoming Events

Kumamoto Prefecture held a press conference on January 5 to review its achievements in 2025 and announce major events planned for the coming months.

Kumamoto Climbs in National “Delicious Food” Ranking

Kumamoto made a significant jump in a nationwide “delicious food” ranking published by a private company, rising from 28th to 11th among Japan’s 47 prefectures. The ranking cited Kumamoto's well‑known specialties—such as horse sashimi, ramen, and mustard‑filled lotus root—and recognized the prefecture's efforts to promote local cuisine and train culinary talent.

Despite the improved ranking, the prefecture stated that the result is “not yet satisfactory” and pledged to continue strengthening its food‑related initiatives. The governor expressed his ambition for Kumamoto to be known worldwide as a “central capital of food”, noting that the prefecture already ranks highly in agricultural output.

Major Promotion Event to Be Held at Matsuya Ginza in Tokyo

From January 21 to February 3, Kumamoto will host a large‑scale promotional event at Matsuya Ginza in Tokyo under a comprehensive partnership agreement with the department store. Exhibitions and sales promotions will take place in the basement food hall and in the iconic show windows along Ginza's main street.

Nearly 60 well‑known shops will offer products made with Kumamoto ingredients. For example, Wako will sell cakes made with Kuma Marron chestnuts. Beyond food, UNIQLO will offer embroidery services featuring Kumamon, the prefecture's beloved mascot, and a specialty tie shop will sell original Kumamoto‑themed designs. The governor expressed strong enthusiasm for collaborating with a wide range of companies to showcase Kumamoto's appeal.

Winning Local Bento Ideas to Be Sold at February Festival

The prefecture also announced the results of its open call for ideas for a new “local foods bento.” A total of 120 submissions were received from both inside and outside Kumamoto. Two ideas were selected by professional judges and will be produced and sold at the Local Foods Festival on February 21 and 22. One of the winning entries features a beautifully balanced one‑bowl meal highlighting an abundance of locally grown vegetables.

Kumamoto to Apply for Japan's “Second Capital” Initiative

During the Q&A session, Governor Kabashima stated that Kumamoto Prefecture intends to apply for designation as Japan's “second capital”, a national initiative currently under discussion. He emphasized that Kumamoto has strong potential due to its moderate population density—unlike Tokyo or Fukuoka—and the effective cooperation between the prefectural government and Kumamoto City, which is a government‑designated city.