Gurunavi Co., Ltd.
2023 “One Dish of the Year (R)” is “Gochiso Onigiri” 2023 “One Dish of the Year (R)” Press Conference Post-Report
■“Dish of the Year (R)” official website https://gri.gnavi.co.jp/dishoftheyear/
Gurunavi Research Institute, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hisao Taki; hereinafter referred to as Gurunavi Research Institute) conducts various surveys and research with food as its main theme, and widely disseminates its results and
recommendations. We held a 2023 “This Year’s Ichiku(R)” press conference to announce foods that reflect and symbolize the current social situation. As the 2023 “Dish of the Year (R),” we announced “Gochiso Onigiri,” which has evolved into a treat for consumers with the joy of choosing from a wide variety of ingredients and the style of enjoying freshly made rice at a restaurant.
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▲Photo session (from left: Taki, Mr. Hagiwara, Mr. Nakamura, Mr. Ako, and Mr. Noro)
At the presentation, Norikazu Suzuki, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, gave a speech. In addition, Yusuke Nakamura, representative director of the Onigiri Association, a general incorporated association that works to spread the appeal and cultural background of onigiri both domestically and internationally, took the stage and presented a commemorative gift. Mr. Nakamura greeted the guests by saying, “Thank you for choosing Gochisou Onigiri,” which is the soul food of the Japanese people.
In addition, the souvenir “Noro Twelve-pointed Stairs-like 10-Step Plate Arita Ware 2023” will also be presented this year as a prize for art, architecture, and design. Designed by Asao Tokoro, who is active in the boundary area. Commenting on the thoughts behind his work, Mr. Noro said, “In honor of my 10th presentation, I drew 10 stages from an equilateral triangle to an equilateral dodecagon. I’m happy to be involved in the creation of something as wonderful as food.” He talked about it.
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▲Mr. Nakamura receiving a souvenir
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▲Mr. Noro explaining about the souvenirs
◆A talk session will be held about the spread of “Gochisou Onigiri” this year and future prospects.
At the talk session, Yusuke Nakamura, life history researcher Mari Ako, and Sayaka Hagiwara, creator of the 2023 “One Dish of the Year (R)” collaboration menu, took to the stage and each spoke about “Gochiso Onigiri.” I did.
When I asked Mr. Nakamura about his thoughts on Gochisho Onigiri being selected, he said, “I think that onigiri is a food that has been loved by Japanese people for a long time in a time of social uncertainty. It was symbolic that I was chosen.” Mr. Ako also explained, “In 2015, “Onigirizu” was selected to be enjoyed at home, and eight years have passed since then and it has been updated to become a delicacy onigiri that can be enjoyed when eating out. When we asked Mr. Nakamura about the characteristics of Gochisho Onigiri, he answered, “Onigiri has traditionally been a dish with fillings inside.
Gochisou Onigiri is characterized by a lot of toppings sticking out, making you want to take a photo. Most importantly, the number of onigiri specialty shops has increased, and now you can enjoy freshly made, slightly luxurious onigiri while interacting with the shop staff. In response, Mr. Ako said, “Onigiri are popular overseas, and I think they have great potential.In addition, in the future, as onigiri that have evolved overseas are fed back, Japanese people will also become more flexible in their thinking, and rice balls will evolve.” I think I’ll go.”
Mr. Hagiwara, who came up with the original collaboration menu for the Gochisou Onigiri, said, “We made an Italian hamburger onigiri using Ashikaga Marl beef.As it is a Gochisou Onigiri, we were particular about making it look exciting, and we added colors such as green, white, and red. “He talked about the points he kept in mind when devising the idea.” To this, Mr. Nakamura replied, “It looks delicious. I’d like to try it with wine.”
Regarding the future outlook for gochisou onigiri, Mr. Nakamura said, “As the number of shops continues to increase, I think truly delicious gochisou onigiri will remain.Furthermore, traditional onigiri and evolved onigiri will be introduced overseas. ” he said. Furthermore, Mr. Ako said, “The fact that a new rice ball has been introduced that is acceptable to both Western and Asian food generations shows the great potential that rice balls have.Tradition can be innovated and renewed. “Onigiri is passed down through generations, so I think the lifespan of onigiri has been extended with the introduction of Gochisho Onigiri.”
Lastly, Mr. Hagiwara said, “I hope you will look back on the history of “This Year’s One Dish (R)” from 2014 to 2023 and enjoy it while looking back on it.” R) ” x Kotorakoji Collaboration Menu Fair” he talked about his enthusiasm.
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▲From left: Mr. Nakamura, Mr. Ako, and Mr. Hagiwara during a talk session ◆What is “This year’s dish (R)”?
In order to record Japan’s excellent food culture as a common heritage of the people, and to preserve and pass it on, we annually announce a food that reflects and symbolizes the social situation of that year as the “Dish of the Year”. Gurunavi Research Institute hopes that through the announcement of “This Year’s Dish(R),” we will be able to disseminate Japan’s excellent food culture both domestically and internationally, and contribute to its further development. Gurunavi aims to contribute to the development of food culture based on our raison d’etre (PURPOSE) of “Connecting through food. Satisfying people.”
◆2023 “This year’s dish (R)” event overview
Sponsored by: Gurunavi Research Institute, Inc., “One Dish of the Year (R)” Executive Committee
Co-sponsor: Gurunavi Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tourism Agency, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) ◆About the “One Dish of the Year (R)” logo
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