London's Japanese Food Scene Today and the '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 Glocal Business Seminar Vol. 34 as a hybrid event on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This time, we will welcome Mr. Tetsuroh Hama, Chairman of the Board of NPO The Village, who will speak on the theme of "The Current State of Japanese Food in London and the 'The Village' Concept."

Japanese Food Culture Nurtured 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 when there were only a handful of Japanese restaurants in London, and was one of the pioneers who opened his own restaurant and paved the way for the spread of Japanese cuisine.

Since then, he has continued his multifaceted activities, not only in the restaurant business but also in culinary education, community building, and business development in various industries. In the fall of 2024, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of his long-standing contributions to the overseas promotion of Japanese food culture.

In this seminar, he will share his own journey and discuss the changes in Japanese food from its early days to the present, the challenges emerging as the first generation of Japanese expatriates enters a period of transition, and his concept of 'The Village' 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 can it be passed on to the future? This will be an opportunity to touch upon the essence of glocal business from the perspective of cultural, generational, and community succession, which cannot be fully explained by market expansion alone. The content will offer valuable insights not only to those interested in overseas expansion but also to those who wish to foster businesses and communities centered around culture.

We look forward to your participation.

Seminar Content

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

・His personal history

・The journey of Japanese food from its early days to the present

・The first generation of expatriates reaching a transition period

・The 'The Village' Concept

Event: Glocal Business Seminar Vol. 34: The Current State of Japanese Food in London and the 'The Village' Concept

Speakers (Titles omitted):

・Tetsuroh Hama (Chairman, NPO The Village)

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

Date and Time: Thursday, April 15, 2026, 19:30 - 21:00 (Doors open for venue attendees at 19:20, online attendees can enter from 19:25)

Venue

・Physical Venue: Room 1113, 11th Floor, Liberty Tower, Meiji University Surugadai Campus (1-1-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

・Online: To be held via ZOOM

*A ZOOM link will be sent after registration.

*Registered participants will receive a recorded video of the seminar. Distribution is scheduled for approximately one week later.

Participation Fee: Free

Registration: https://zesda.jp/glbs034/

*Please double-check your email address for accuracy when registering.

Organizer: NPO ZESDA / Masayuki Okuyama Laboratory, Meiji University

Co-organizer: Research Division on Production, Operations, and Innovation Management Society

Notice of Networking Reception

A networking reception will be held after the seminar. We encourage you to attend.

Venue: Waigaya. (3F, Kurosawa Bldg., 1-4 Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 21:30

Fee: 4,500 yen (tax included) *Includes food and drinks

Capacity: 15 people

Application Deadline: Monday, April 13, 2026, by 23:59