~Discovering the techniques and people of Niigata that gave birth to "Kanikama" and "Unajiro"~
"Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA" (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo), a hub for promoting the attractions of Niigata Prefecture, will host "Evolving Processed Fish Products Expo in Ginza," an experiential event showcasing the appeal of Niigata Prefecture's processed fish products, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Niigata Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of processed fish products, and many of its products, including crab-flavored fish cakes, are shipped nationwide.
In fact, Niigata Prefecture is one of the top producers of processed fish products in Japan. Niigata's processed fish industry continues to produce innovative products, including crab-flavored fish cakes and the recently popular "Unajiro."
This event will showcase Niigata's proud food processing technology and the appeal of its food culture to the Tokyo metropolitan area through behind-the-scenes stories of product development from the development team and tasting experiences.
1. Event Overview (1) Name: Evolving Processed Fish Products Expo in Ginza THE NIIGATA: Meet the People Vol.39
(2) Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 ① 12:30 – 14:00 ② 16:00 – 17:30
(3) Venue: Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA 3rd floor event space (4) Capacity: 24 people per session (advance registration required, first-come, first-served basis)
(5) Participation fee: 2,000 yen (includes a souvenir)
(6) Organizer: Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA Cooperation: Ichimasa Kamaboko Co., Ltd.
2. Program Contents (1) Talk & Tasting – Opening (Thoughts of the Fish Paste Industry)
– Learning about Niigata's market share for processed fish products – The secret stories behind the creation of "Kani Kama" and "Unajiro" – Tasting the "Future Seafood Bowl" made solely from processed fish products (2) Processed Fish Hacks! ~Easy and cute♪ Bento box decorating experience~
Convenient and delicious! Learn the techniques for making processed fish products and give it a try!
– We lined up the kneaded decorations we all made and had a photo shoot.
3. Guest Speakers
Mr. Kei Naeshiro, Section Chief, Technical Research Department, Ichimasa Kamaboko Co., Ltd.
Ms. Kasane Suzuki, Manager, Marketing Communications Department, Ichimasa Kamaboko Co., Ltd.
Unajiro-kun, the official character of Ichimasa Kamaboko Co., Ltd.'s "Unajiro: Deliciousness That Makes You Sigh with Pleasure"
4. Background to the Event Planning <br /> Niigata Prefecture is a region where a culture of processed fish products such as kamaboko and chikuwa has taken root, based on its marine resources and preservation techniques. Companies in the prefecture distribute their products nationwide and overseas, and have produced products that are known worldwide, such as "kani-kama" (crab-flavored fish cake).
On the other hand, because processed fish products are a common food, their techniques and cultural value are not fully known. Furthermore, in recent years, they have also attracted attention as a high-protein, low-fat food.
Therefore, this time we will be holding an interactive event themed around Niigata's processed seafood products, where participants can "see, touch, and taste." Through interaction with the development team, taste comparisons, and arrangement experiences, we aim to showcase the charm of Niigata's people, technology, and craftsmanship, and create new fans of Niigata.
[NICO] From the press release
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