Japan Appoints First India-Based Goodwill Ambassadors for Promoting Japanese Cuisine and Food Culture

New Delhi, 28th February 2025.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan announce appointment of Nooresha Kably and Brehadeesh Kumar as the new Goodwill Ambassadors for the Promotion of Japanese Cuisine in December 2024. This historic appointment marks the first time that Indians active in India have been honored with this prestigious title.

The Goodwill Ambassadors for the Promotion of Japanese Cuisine are appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan to preserve, promote, and share the rich heritage of Japanese cuisine and food culture both domestically and internationally, by providing expert advice to the Japanese cuisine professional overseas.

Ambassador ONO Keiichi congratulates Nooresha Kably and Brehadeesh Kumar on appointment of new Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassadors

Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador Appointment Ceremony was hosted by the Embassy of Japan on Monday, February 24, 2025.  the two esteemed chefs were recognized for their dedication to promoting authentic Japanese cuisine in India.

To date, 211 ambassadors have been appointed worldwide, with nine new ambassadors appointed this year by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), including these two distinguished representatives from India.

Guests from the Indian government and the food industry attended the ceremony, which featured an exquisite showcase of Japanese cuisine prepared by the newly appointed Goodwill Ambassadors. The event also featured a selection of Japanese Sake to celebrate registering "Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Sake-Making with Koji Mold in Japan" as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2024.

This appointment marks a significant step in strengthening India-Japan cultural and culinary ties, encouraging more people in India to experience the richness of Japanese food and sake.