Washoku Oceania Network (WON) Officially Launches in 2026
Establishment Announcement and Upcoming Activities
New Year’s Greetings
Happy New Year!!
Thank you for your continued support of the Washoku Oceania Network (WON).
Founded in 2025, WON is a non-profit organisation that will begin its full-scale activities from 2026.
In this blog, we would like to share the background behind our establishment, our journey so far, and the concrete activities planned from February onwards.
Our Journey in 2025 — Starting with Small Steps
Following our establishment, we focused on building our organisational structure and held our first “Tabete-mite-Zadankai (chefs chat)” in September 2025.
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Chefs and food industry professionals came together to engage in dialogue about washoku culture
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The gathering served as a space to share practical ideas and on-site innovations
While the number of events has been limited so far, from the very beginning we have prioritised creating spaces where people can meet face to face and build genuine connections.
About the WON Team
WON is currently operated by four (+1) members.
Each member brings a different background, yet all share a common vision:
to nurture washoku and Japanese food culture on the ground across Oceania.
Takumi Kawano — President
A Japanese chef who has trained both in Japan and overseas. Integrates nutrition science and naturopathy perspectives into his cooking. He explores food and ingredients at a molecular level, researching taste through the five senses and the effects of food on the body. He actively shares insights on food and health through social media and blogs.
Yuri Tazunoki — Vice President
A professional in event management and international exchange. Utilising her background in nutrition, she communicates the appeal of washoku through roundtable discussions and community-building initiatives.
Takashi Ohuchi — Committee
A chef who blends traditional washoku with international training experience. Drawing on his background in restaurant ownership, he works to expand the possibilities of Japanese cuisine. A pioneer in the vegan and organic food scene in Australia.
Ryota Kumasaka — Committee
An owner-chef operating multiple restaurants in Australia. Based on his local achievements, he promotes new styles of washoku and cultural expression.
Hideo Dekura — Advisor
A leading figure in the international promotion of Japanese food culture, and serves as a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador.
➡ Full profiles are available here:
Our Board – Washoku Oceania Network
Why We Established This Organisation
WON was established not simply to promote Japanese food, but to create practical knowledge and meaningful connections that can be applied on site.
Japanese food culture encompasses more than just dishes themselves:
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Dialogue between chefs
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On-site creativity and innovation
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The sharing of health-related and cultural values
We believe these strengths deserve to be cultivated in the Oceania region.
Through learning, dialogue and practice, we will continue creating spaces where washoku can grow organically in the field.
Planned Activities for Autumn 2026
(Members can actively participate)
In 2026, the following initiatives will begin in earnest.
By becoming a member, you can engage through participation and early access to information.
Early February (02/02/2026 monday): Tabete-mite-Zadankai (Chefs chat)
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Participate in interactive discussions with chefs and food industry professionals
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Learn about Japanese food culture and practical approaches from the field
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Members-only access to follow-up materials and discussion summaries
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Early access to the latest Japan–Australia food industry information and tasting opportunities
Early March: FOODEX JAPAN 2026 Research Visit
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Access insights into ingredients and products discovered on site that are applicable to the Oceania market
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Learn about overseas market opportunities through members-only reports and materials
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Information that can be utilised for future sourcing, on-site implementation, and event planning
Late March: Ramen Workshop Event
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Experience hands-on ramen-making techniques and conceptual approaches
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Participate in networking and discussions with fellow chefs
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Contribute feedback after the workshop and help shape future initiatives
Members-Only Online Networking
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Join online meetings to share on-site experiences and insights
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Collaborate on ideas for “what we should do next”
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Build networks with other members and WON team members
Join as a Member (Free)
WON is currently welcoming individual members, restaurant members, and corporate members.
Becoming a member allows you to engage not only in seasonal activities, but also in the ongoing process of cultivating washoku culture over time.
Benefit: Discounted event fees
For Restaurants — Free Registration Available
WON offers free registration for restaurants across Oceania on our website.
By registering, you can connect with other members and chefs, and receive priority access to information about roundtables, workshops and upcoming activities.
Why not start by registering casually and becoming part of the WON community?
For Sponsor Companies
We are currently in the early stages of recruiting sponsor companies.
Moving forward, we plan to further expand initiatives such as roundtable discussions, workshops and on-site research visits.
As a sponsor, your company will have opportunities for aligned promotion, including logo placement on our website and introductions at events.
If your organisation is interested, please feel free to contact us.
➡ Contact Us – Washoku Oceania Network
In 2026, WON will continue to grow a living culture—through dialogue with our community and by nurturing washoku where it truly matters: in the field.
We look forward to your continued support in the year ahead.