On April 20, members of the Embassy team joined Moriya International Friendship Association (MIFA) for a potluck lunch following bamboo shoot harvesting (Takenoko) in the fields around Moriya City. The event, which was attended by about 40 people, featured a Jordanian cooking class where both Jordanian and Japanese dishes were served.
Ambassador Lina Annab, Ibaraki’s Vice Governor Mr. Yokoyama Masanari, and Mr. Ogawa Issei, member of the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly and Chairman of MIFA, joined the event. Both Vice Governor Yokoyama and Chairman Ogawa had visited Jordan in October 2023 when a friendship agreement was signed between the Jordan Trail and Ibaraki’s Hitachi-no-Kuni Trail.
The bamboo shoot harvesting event exemplified the culture of satoyama, where the harmonious coexistence of human activity and nature is celebrated. Bamboo shoot harvesting is an important seasonal activity cherished by all Japanese, offering a hands-on experience that connects participants to the land and its resources. The tradition of bamboo shoot harvesting in Japan is deeply rooted in the culture, with bamboo shoots being a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes. From simmered dishes to stir-fries and soups, bamboo shoots are celebrated for their unique texture and flavor.
The hands-on experience of bamboo shoot harvesting, as well as the cooking demonstration of Jordanian food, provided an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of both Jordan and Japan. It also provided all participants with a deeper appreciation of Japan’s rich agricultural traditions and the harmonious balance between nature and human activity in satoyama areas.
The event highlighted the strong ties between Jordan and Japan and the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering international friendship and cooperation.
Moriya City, located in southwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, is surrounded by three rivers: the Kinugawa, Kokaigawa, and the Tone River, one of the longest rivers in Japan. The area is rich in natural beauty, featuring woods, bamboo forests, swamps, and ponds that provide water to neighboring rice paddies.
