By Alyssa Johnston
Expo Reporter

OSAKA, Japan — Atlantic Canada was the focus of attention for a few days at Canada’s Expo pavilion, with a strong emphasis on the region’s agricultural products and seafood.

The events held Sept. 18-20 included a delegation from Atlantic Canada, including P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz. “We are here to strengthen investment and trading ties with Japan and build new connections for the future,” Lantz said. The delegation included government officials and representatives from various PEI agriculture, fisheries, and food businesses.

PEI is known for its seafood and agrifood. Not only is the food product from PEI high quality, but it is also sustainably made, said Charlotte Campbell, Executive and Marketing Director for Lobster Fishers of Prince Edward Island. Campbell came to the Atlantic Day event at Expo to promote lobster. She stressed that many farming and fishing families in PEI have been in the business for generations and have an interest in making sure the industry is sustainable for the next generation. For that reason, there are many regulations that protect the environment and help maintain the production of high-quality food. 

A lobster roll cooking demonstration and networking dinner were part of the Canada’s Food Island Japan launch event held to promote PEI food products to the Japanese businesses and media invited. PEI lobsters, snow crabs, smoked salmon, mussels, bluefin tuna, blueberries, raspberries, potatoes, beef, dairy products, and chocolate were served.

A seafood chowder cooking demonstration and tasting event was held for the public, led by Chef Adam Loo, who is from PEI, supported by the culinary team at the Canada Pavilion. More than 100 people attended the culinary event, and Chef Adam explained how to make seafood chowder, including instructions for Japanese visitors who might have to use alternative ingredients.

After the Atlantic day event, PEI Premiere Rob Lantz went to Oita prefecture to sign a friendship agreement. Oita prefecture and Prince Edward Island have an interesting connection through the famous novel Anne of Green Gables, which remains very popular in Japan.