Taste of Japan was a one-day cultural event held in Lagos on 7 March 2026. The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria envisioned it, Hidemi Consulting organised it and the Kakehashi Africa Nigeria Initiative (KANI) facilitated it. Guests enjoyed Japanese food and drink, dance, music and games, and met diplomats, officials and business leaders. This post explains who did what, what happened, and how organisations can work with KANI on a similar event.
Taste of Japan 2026 at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Taste of Japan |
| Date | 7 March 2026 |
| City | Lagos |
| Venue and time | — |
| Attendance | — |
What is Taste of Japan?
Taste of Japan is a cultural showcase designed to introduce the finer aspects of Japanese culture to a carefully chosen Nigerian audience through food, drink, dance, music, games and conversation.
Who did what?
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Embassy of Japan in Nigeria | Envisioned the event |
| Hidemi Consulting | Organised the event |
| KANI | Facilitated the event and connected guests |
What happened at Taste of Japan?
Opening
The Ambassador of Japan opened the evening with remarks. The traditional sake barrel was then broken by the Chief Executive Officer of Hidemi Consulting, assisted by the Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the President of the Japanese community in Nigeria.
Programme
- Japanese appetisers and drinks.
- Dance and music.
- Games and time for networking.
Guests
Guests included ambassadors of foreign missions, political office holders, senior civil servants, business leaders and youth organisations. Senior representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and staff of Pocari Sweat also attended.
How can an organisation host a cultural showcase with KANI?
The Taste of Japan model has three parts that others can reuse:
- A clear sponsor and purpose. Here, the Embassy of Japan set the vision.
- A professional organiser to handle logistics and programme.
- A local alumni network to welcome guests and make introductions. This was KANI’s role.
To discuss a similar event, see how to partner with KANI.
Frequently asked questions
Who organised Taste of Japan 2026?
The Embassy of Japan envisioned it, Hidemi Consulting organised it and KANI facilitated it.
Who attended?
Ambassadors, political office holders, senior civil servants, business leaders and youth organisations.
