Eat Local -Taste the Unfolding Story of Kumano

Director: Tsukasa Nishimura

Producer: Tsukasa Nishimura

Producer Company: LUMBERJACK

Agency:

Client: Shokudo Ao

Country: Japan

Synopsis

In Kumano, Japan, a chef sources his ingredients directly from the surrounding land and sea. Each morning, he heads out by kayak to catch fish, gathers from the mountains and rivers, and prepares what he finds at his small restaurant. Many rare and high-quality local ingredients are sent to cities rather than enjoyed where they are produced. By keeping them in Kumano, his cooking reflects a deeper connection between food, place, and time. Through his daily practice, the film explores what it means to eat locally, and how food can carry the memory of a place.

Objectives

This film aims to inspire travelers to visit Kumano, Mie Prefecture, by showcasing a unique gastronomic experience rooted in the local environment—one that cannot be found in urban settings. Through food, the film invites visitors to engage more deeply with the region, leading them to discover the rich nature, history, and culture of Kumano, and to experience its deeper identity beyond cuisine.