Dijon Bourgogne Week in Kumamoto, held on 22-29 October, celebrated the excellence of Dijon’s gastronomy, culture, research, and innovation. The delegation, led by Lydie Pfander-Meny, Deputy Mayor for International Relations, and Denis Hameau, Deputy Mayor for Higher Education, included representatives from key institutions such as Vitagora, ENSAD, the University Bourgogne-Europe (UBE), and Bourgogne Vigne et Vin. Among the delegates were Christophe Breuillet, Amel Nafti, Vincent Thomas, Fabrice Neiers, Florian Humbert, Alizée Ponnelle (GPPR), Blanche Loiseau (Groupe Bernard Loiseau), and Bertrand Fort, Director of International Relations for Dijon.
Within the French Fair at the Tsuruya Department Store, visitors enjoyed authentic Burgundy specialties: mustard, gingerbread, cassis, and fine wines, while Chef Blanche Loiseau presented live culinary demonstrations celebrating regional savoir-faire. Two conferences on 24-25 October explored Dijon’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, including a lecture on food and taste by Professor Fabrice Neiers (UBE). The International City of Gastronomy and Wine - Dijon showcased its exhibition “Petit théâtre du bien manger et du bien boire” (‘A little theatre of good food and good drink’) at the Kumamoto Prefecture Hall, attracting significant public interest.
The week culminated in the 3rd Food Industry R&D and Business Symposium on 24 October, co-organized by Vitagora, KBCC, Sojo University, RIST, and NARO. The event fostered Franco-Japanese collaboration in agri-food research and technology, emphasizing sustainable production, nutrition, and innovation.
Through shared science, culture, and cuisine, Dijon Bourgogne Week in Kumamoto strengthened the enduring partnership between France and Japan, promoting a common vision for healthy, sustainable, and innovative food systems of the future.
Source: Vitagora
Published: January 2026