KATHMANDU: The Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Masamichi Saigo handed a certificate of appointment to Takada on Wednesday who was designated as “Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador” by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in January 2021.

Mr. Takada established "Maharjan International" in Kathmandu in 2012 as a company specialized in Japanese sake and food, imports and retails a wide range of Japanese sake and food to both Nepalese people and foreigners in Nepal. He makes valuable contributions for the Japanese culinary experiences in Nepal.

According to the embassy, the appointment is part of Japan’s MAFF efforts to promote Japanese food and dietary culture; underway since 2015. Designated ambassadors are persons capable of providing appropriate consultations on the promotion of Japanese food and dietary culture.

The Ministry was encouraged to promote food and Japan’s dietary culture after UNESCO listed “WASHOKU” (Japanese food) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the embassy says. "As Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Takada is expected to assist the MAFF in promoting Japanese food and dietary culture and provide advice on the same abroad."