Over the next few weeks, Portugal's presence in Osaka will be highlighted through our culture, gastronomy and companies. As part of Expo 2025 Osaka, Turismo de Portugal will be taking
Tasca Portuguesa to Japan on 12-17 September to promote Portuguese gastronomy, in partnership with AHRESP. Tasca appears here as a representation of a living space of culture, sociability and culinary authenticity, of ‘handmade food’, which promotes a direct link between local producers, cooks and travellers.
Today, gastronomy is one of the main drivers of destination enhancement, not only because of its ability to attract visitors, but also because of the impact it has on local economies, promoting sustainability, inclusion and territorial cohesion. It is therefore a key strategic axis in the country's international promotion. On the occasion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Turismo de Portugal has been promoting a series of actions in Japan dedicated to Portuguese gastronomy, which will run until October this year, and which aim to strengthen the international recognition of Portuguese cuisine as a differentiating factor and an attractive destination for Portugal.
Osaka sees the fusion of tradition and sophistication by the hand of Chef Pedro Lemos On 12 and 17 September, Tasca Portuguesa travels to Japan by the hand of Chef Pedro Lemos, one of the most outstanding names in contemporary Portuguese gastronomy. With a unique ability to combine tradition and innovation, Pedro Lemos will serve a cuisine that remains rooted in memory while being open to the future, which has earned him not only the recognition of his customers, but also the Michelin star he has held since 2014. In Osaka, Pedro Lemos will be joined by Chef Yoshida Tetsu from the Michelin-starred restaurant Origin, in a dialogue between two unique gastronomic cultures. This meeting promises a unique experience of reinterpreting authentic flavours in our cuisine. Portuguese wines will also feature prominently, with choices from different regions of the country.
Focus on promoting Portuguese gastronomy in Japan
As part of The Art of Tasting Portugal project, which aims to promote Portuguese gastronomy in Japan, leading names such as Diogo Rocha (Mesa de Lemos, Viseu), Vítor Sobral (Tasca da Esquina, Lisbon), Vasco Coelho Santos (Euskalduna Studio, Porto) and Henrique Sá Pessoa (Alma, Lisbon) have already made their presence felt in the land of the rising sun, holding gastronomic dialogues with Japanese chefs in the cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Also during September, Chef Michele Marques (Mercearia Gadanha, Alentejo) and Chef Vitor Matos (Antiqvvm, Porto) will take part in other initiatives to promote our gastronomy in Osaka and Tokyo. Between now and October, chefs Octávio Freitas (Restaurante Desarma, Madeira) and João Oliveira (Restaurante Vista, Algarve) will also take part.
From 14 to 16 September, the Portuguese Pavilion at Expo Osaka will be exhibiting the work "Waves of our Lands"
During these days, the Portuguese Pavilion in Osaka will also host an initiative promoted by three national tourist regions, Porto e Norte, Centro de Portugal and Alentejo/Ribatejo. The installation, entitled ‘Waves of our Lands’, is curated by the Serralves Foundation, creative director Nuno Maya and created in collaboration with the OCUBO studio. With this work, the three national tourist regions offer visitors an immersive experience that presents a contemporary reading of the culture and creativity of their territories.
From 17 to 19 September: VisitPortugal Travel Trade - Japan and South Korea
Also noteworthy is the roadshow that will tour Japan and South Korea between 17 and 19 September. Entitled "VisitPortugal Travel Trade - Japan and South Korea", this is a business roadshow that brings together Portuguese companies with Japanese tour operators and aims to facilitate the exchange of information and establish business partnerships. In Osaka and Tokyo, the 20 Portuguese companies, Turismo de Portugal and the Regional Tourism Agencies of Porto and the North, Centre of Portugal, Alentejo/Ribatejo and Madeira will meet with around 90 Japanese operators and in Seoul around 40 South Korean operators. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest market trends, present products and services and establish business relations.
All in all, these actions, especially the national presence at Expo Osaka 2025, seek to accelerate market growth and bring the Portuguese tourism offer closer to Japanese preferences.
