January 30, 2008
Bangkok - Japanese food in Bangkok and other places around the world will be certified. Overseas Japanese restaurants will receive a logo to ensure they serve genuine Japanese food.
The effort is led by a non-governmental group of experts set up in July with the support of agriculture ministry.
Overseas Japanese restaurants will receive a logo with a pair of chopsticks holding a cherry petal set in front of a red rising-sun flag to identify they are genuine Japanese restaurants.
To qualify for certification, applicants are required to use Japanese rice and seasoning along with traditional ingredients. Restaurants must also show knowledge of Japanese recipes and proper hygiene, according to AFP.
Applicants must also clear at least two of five criteria such as originality, dish arrangement and customer service.
A conference will be held on March 27 and 28 in Tokyo to explain the system, and restaurant owners and others from around the world will be invited to join.
The body has so far opened bureaus in Bangkok, Shanghai and Taipei, planning to expand to Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles and Paris by the end of March.
Japan expects the number of Japanese restaurants to double in a few years amid perceptions that the cuisine is healthy.
