While China continues to suspend imports of Japanese marine products, a tour was held in Toyoura Town, Hokkaido, in order to have overseas influencers learn about the specialty scallops and spread the word on social media.
Approximately 20 influencers from the United States, Australia, and other countries participated in this tour organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization).
First, at a hot spring facility in Toyoura Town, participants tasted various scallop dishes such as sashimi, butter-grilled, and tempura to promote their safety.
Next, at the fishing port they visited, a staff member from the tourism association explained about the characteristics of scallops in the area and how they are farmed.
At the end of the tour, the participants tried ``scallop fishing,'' fishing for live scallops in an aquarium with rods, and enthusiastically took photos and videos to post on social media.
A man from the United States said, ``The scallops you can eat in Hokkaido are the most delicious.I want to spread the goodness of Japan to everyone.''
Hiroko Tanaka, deputy executive director of the Funkawan Toyora Tourism Association, said, ``We want people around the world to learn about the deliciousness of Toyoura scallops and bring them back to their own countries.''
The group will stay in Japan until the 24th of this month, and will visit Sapporo, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.