The non-profit organization ZESDA (Representative Director: Daisuke Sakuraba; Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "NPO ZESDA") will hold the Glocal Business Seminar Vol. 34 in a hybrid format on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. For this session, we welcome Mr. Tetsuro Hama, Chairman of the non-profit organization The Village, to speak on the theme: "The Current State of Japanese Food in London and the 'The Village' Concept."

Japanese Food Culture Cultivated in London and New Connections

Mr. Hama, who has been based in London, UK, for many years, has dedicated himself to the promotion of Japanese food culture and cultural exchange between Japan and the UK. He is one of the pioneers who moved to London in the 1970s, when there were only a handful of Japanese restaurants, and opened his own establishment to pave the way for the spread of Japanese cuisine.

Since then, he has continued his multifaceted activities, extending beyond the restaurant business into culinary education, community building, and business development across various 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, while reflecting on his own journey, Mr. Hama will discuss the evolution of Japanese food from its early days to the present, the challenges emerging as the first generation of Japanese expatriates begins to pass the torch, and his vision for "The Village" as a new form of community for the next generation.

Now that Japanese food is widely accepted abroad, what should we leave behind, and how do we connect it to the future? This seminar will be an opportunity to touch upon the essence of glocal business from the perspective of inheriting culture, generations, and local communities—a topic that goes beyond mere market expansion. This content will provide many insights not only for those interested in overseas expansion but also for those looking to grow businesses or communities centered on culture.

We look forward to your participation.

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 dawn to the present

・The transition period for the first generation of overseas residents

・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):

・Tetsuro Hama (Chairman, NPO The Village)

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

Date and Time: Thursday, April 15, 2026, 19:30–21:00 (Doors open at 19:20 for in-person attendees; online access begins at 19:25)

Venue

・In-person: Meiji University Surugadai Campus, Liberty Tower, 11th Floor, Classroom 1113 (1-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

・Online: Held via ZOOM

*The ZOOM link will be sent after registration.

*A recording of the seminar will be provided to all registered participants. Distribution is scheduled for approximately one week later.

Participation Fee: Free

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

*Please be careful not to enter your email address incorrectly when registering.

Organizer: NPO ZESDA / Meiji University Okuyama Masayuki Laboratory

Co-organizer: The Japan Society for Research Policy and Innovation Management, Research Division on Production

Notice Regarding Networking Event

A networking event will be held after the seminar. We hope you will join us.

Venue: Waigaya. (Kurosawa Building 3F, 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

Registration Deadline: Monday, April 13, 2026, at 23:59

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