Culinary Diplomacy: Japanese Food Culture as Soft Power

The Centre of Asian Modernisation (CAM) at Taylor’s University successfully hosted a specialised workshop titled Flavours of Diplomacy: Investigating Japanese Food Culture as Soft Power. Supported by the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), the event brought together scholars and participants to examine the role of food as a powerful bridge between nations.

Moving beyond the realm of culinary practice, the session explored how washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) functions as an instrument of cultural diplomacy. Discussions centred on the ways in which food heritage is “mobilised” across borders, evolving from state-led narratives into lived, everyday practices embedded within communities worldwide.

The workshop was honoured by the participation of Dr. Haruka Ueda from the University of Tokyo and Associate Professor Dr. Jimmyn Parc from the University of Malaya. Their engaging dialogue highlighted how Japanese food culture is reinterpreted and integrated into diverse local foodways, illustrating the dynamic interplay between official governmental branding and organic community-driven traditions.

This workshop forms part of CAM’s ongoing commitment to advancing scholarly discourse on the intersections of culture, modernisation, and global influence. CAM extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished speakers and to its partner, the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, for their invaluable contributions to this meaningful exchange.