Reception to Showcase Cuisine Combining Canadian Ingredients and Japanese Culinary Techniques by Chef Shima
2026/3/19
On March 19, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence to showcase cuisine combining Canadian ingredients and Japanese techniques prepared by Mr. Yasuhiro Shima, the chef of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, who is soon to leave his post, drawing on the experience he gained during his approximately four years of service in Ottawa.
At the start, the Honourable Greg Fergus, former Speaker of the House of Commons and Mr. Thomas d’Aquino, Founding CEO of the Canadian Business Council welcomed the holding of this reception and highly praised Chef Shima’s efforts to date, noting how he has captivated countless Canadians and made a significant contribution to the development of Japan-Canada relations through his culinary expertise.
Next, Chef Shima expressed his deep gratitude to Ambassador Yamanouchi, with whom he had worked for approximately eight years, including during his time in New York City, and to the many people he had met during his four-year posting in Ottawa. He then proceeded to introduce each of the homemade dishes served at this reception, which combined Canadian ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques, including tonkotsu miso ramen made with Canadian pork and wheat, as well as dorayaki made with maple sugar.
Finally, Ambassador Yamanouchi shared some memories of Chef Shima and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Chef Shima’s dedication and contributions over the years. To convey Ambassador’s deep gratitude through the piano, he performed a total of five classical and pop music alongside violinist Ms. Kana Imai (during one of the musical pieces, Ambassador Yamanouchi played both the piano and harmonica), captivating both Chef Shima and the audience.
After the buffet opened, Chef Shima personally prepared and served tonkotsu miso ramen to the guests. In addition, an Embassy staff member also promoted Japanese sake and shochu by offering selections specifically paired with the cuisine. Furthermore, Ambassador Yamanouchi and Ms. Kana Imai performed other music, adding a touch of elegance to the reception.
At the start, the Honourable Greg Fergus, former Speaker of the House of Commons and Mr. Thomas d’Aquino, Founding CEO of the Canadian Business Council welcomed the holding of this reception and highly praised Chef Shima’s efforts to date, noting how he has captivated countless Canadians and made a significant contribution to the development of Japan-Canada relations through his culinary expertise.
Next, Chef Shima expressed his deep gratitude to Ambassador Yamanouchi, with whom he had worked for approximately eight years, including during his time in New York City, and to the many people he had met during his four-year posting in Ottawa. He then proceeded to introduce each of the homemade dishes served at this reception, which combined Canadian ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques, including tonkotsu miso ramen made with Canadian pork and wheat, as well as dorayaki made with maple sugar.
Finally, Ambassador Yamanouchi shared some memories of Chef Shima and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Chef Shima’s dedication and contributions over the years. To convey Ambassador’s deep gratitude through the piano, he performed a total of five classical and pop music alongside violinist Ms. Kana Imai (during one of the musical pieces, Ambassador Yamanouchi played both the piano and harmonica), captivating both Chef Shima and the audience.
After the buffet opened, Chef Shima personally prepared and served tonkotsu miso ramen to the guests. In addition, an Embassy staff member also promoted Japanese sake and shochu by offering selections specifically paired with the cuisine. Furthermore, Ambassador Yamanouchi and Ms. Kana Imai performed other music, adding a touch of elegance to the reception.
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| The Honourable Greg Fergus giving remarks | Mr. Thomas d’Aquino giving remarks |
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| Chef Shima giving remarks | Ambassador Yamanouchi expressing his gratitude to Chef Shima |
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi and Ms. Kana Imai performing | Commemorative photo of Ambassador Yamanouchi and Chef Shima |
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| Chef Shima serving ramen | A scene after the buffet opened |
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| A demonstration explaining Japanese sake and shochu |