A new documentary, Northern Food Story, has brought global recognition to Hokkaido food culture at the prestigious San Sebastián Film Festival in Spain. Known for its culinary excellence, San Sebastián proved the perfect stage to highlight Hokkaido's blend of traditional Japanese and modern cuisine.
San Sebastian, a luxury summer resort on Concha Bay, is celebrated as a global gastronomic hub. Its old town features bustling alleyways and taverns, attracting visitors who savor pintxos—Basque-style snacks with toppings like shrimp and chorizo on baguette slices.
Northern Food Story features Hokkaido's culinary culture, set against the stunning backdrop of its stunning winter landscapes. From traditional Japanese cuisine to French-inspired dishes and sushi, this documentary boasts the art of Hokkaido's cuisine and its deep connection to sustainable farming.
The following were the featured Japanese chefs in the film:
Takeshi Takahashi: 61 years old, celebrated owner of La Sante, a French restaurant in Sapporo.
Hiroshi Sakai: 56 years old, Chef of Ajidokoro, a Japanese restaurant in Kuriyama, Hokkaido
Kaori Yoshida: Head chef and farm manager at Agriscape, a circular agriculture restaurant near Sapporo
Junnosuke Kawasaki: Sushi chef at Maru Zushi in Sapporo's Susukino entertainment district.
After the screening, chefs Takahashi and Sakai prepared signature dishes using locally sourced ingredients at a dinner show. The documentary earned fantastic reviews during its packed screening and secured a nomination for the Culinary Cinema Award at the San Sebastián Film Festival. Many praised the film and the fresh taste of the dishes, like lamb. One of the viewers mentioned, "It was a subtle and beautiful film that made me want to go to Hokkaido. Regarding the food, I was pleasantly surprised at the fresh taste of the lamb, which is also familiar to Spanish locals."
Takashi, who participated in the film festival, said, "Everything I ate was delicious, so I thought it was indeed a gastronomy town."
Moreover, Uesugi added, "There is a fusion of culture and food in the old buildings and the film festival. It is an ideal town for us, and we have much to learn from it." He also encouraged the audience to promote Hokkaido's food culture, which can become world-class content.
Lastly, Kiyotaka Tanaka, a government official in charge of Sapporo City's promotion, thinks that the Northern Food Story, which is scheduled to be screened in the region, is an opportunity to promote Hokkaido and Sapporo to the world.
Creative Office Cue Co. and others supported by the Hokkaido Food Film Festival and Sapporo city subsidies produced the Northern Food Story.
Plan your visit to experience Hokkaido's culinary culture firsthand! From French-inspired fine dining to authentic sushi, Hokkaido offers unforgettable experiences and affordable premium homes. Start your search today!
Source: Japan Today
