The Present State of Japanese Food in London and "The Village" Concept 【Glocal Business Seminar Vol.34】Free Hybrid Event on April 15

NPO ZESDA (Representative Director: Daisuke Sakuraba, Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo), will hold the 34th Glocal Business Seminar in a hybrid format on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This time, we will welcome Mr. Tetsuro Hama, Chairman of NPO The Village, to speak on the theme of "The Present State of Japanese Food in London and 'The Village' Concept."

■Japanese Food Culture Grown in London and New Connections

Mr. Hama, based in London, UK, has been dedicated to promoting Japanese food culture and Anglo-Japanese cultural exchange for many years. He moved to the UK in the 1970s, a time when there were only a handful of Japanese restaurants in London, and opened his own establishment, becoming one of the pioneers who paved the way for the spread of Japanese food.

Since then, he has continued multifaceted activities, not limited to the restaurant business, but also including culinary education, community building, and business development in other industries. In the autumn of 2024, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his long-standing contributions to promoting Japanese food culture overseas.

In this seminar, Mr. Hama will share his personal journey, discuss the changes in Japanese food from its nascent period to the present, the challenges that have emerged as the first generation of Japanese expatriates begins to transition, and "The Village" concept he envisions as a new form of community for the next generation.

Now that Japanese food is widely accepted overseas, what should be left behind and how should it be passed on to the next generation beyond mere market expansion? This will be an opportunity to touch upon the essence of glocal business from the perspective of cultural, generational, and community succession. The content will offer many insights not only for those interested in overseas expansion but also for those who wish to foster businesses and communities centered on culture.

We invite you to participate.

■Seminar Content

In this seminar, Mr. Tetsuro Hama is scheduled to speak on the following topics:

・His personal history

・The journey of Japanese food from its nascent period to the present

・The first generation of overseas residents entering a period of transition

・"The Village" Concept

■Event: Glocal Business Seminar Vol.34: The Present State of Japanese Food in London and "The Village" Concept

■Speakers (titles omitted):

・Tetsuro Hama (Chairman, NPO The Village)

・Masayuki Okuyama (Professor, School of Political Science and Economics, Meiji University)

■Date and Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 19:30-21:00 (Venue reception opens at 19:20, online entry available from 19:25)

■Venue

・Physical venue: Meiji University Surugadai Campus, Liberty Tower 11F