From 17 to 18 October 2015, Tsuruoka Great Industrial Exhibition was definitely the highlight of the city. Aimed to showcase leading-edge initiatives and contributions to society of the gastronomy creative sector, Tsuruoka (Japan) brought together the local agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries and commerce to explore “greenery and artisanship”.  

 

During two days, a vast array of products, practices and activities related to the local gastronomy traditions and future perspectives were displayed to the general public, who was able to testing fresh ingredients from the region, to observing the preparation of the food and to discover the work of artisans. In the framework of the exhibition, gastronomy industry presentations and competitions of best flowers and plants were organized by the city to explore the development of Tsuruoka’s artisanship from a different perspective. Furthermore, local high school students provided enjoyable performances accessible by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. 

 

Nearly 30,000 visitors attended the event. Several sister municipalities and friendship cities cooperated with Tsuruoka to enhance the influence of the Great Industrial Exhibition and raise the awareness of the local citizens on the traditional artisanship and the role of a sustainable and creative local gastronomy industry. The exhibition thus provided a great opportunity to the professional as well as the amateur of the gastronomy and crafts sectors to exchange with each other.