At tokimeki, we specialize in the art of bridging cultures through event management. In November 2024, we had the honour of orchestrating the major public event for the British Government’s GREAT campaign, dedicated to promoting UK food and drink products in Japan.

Following an initial successful press and influencer event in March, our team took the lead on the public-facing component. Here is how tokimeki transformed an ambitious government objective into an immersive and successful gastronomic experience at the heart of the Japanese capital.

The Project: Re-introducing British Gastronomy

The chosen date was symbolic: coinciding with King Charles’ birthday and just 150 days before the opening of the Osaka World Expo. The challenge was two-fold: not only raising awareness of product diversity but also showing Japanese guests how to easily incorporate these ingredients into their own home cooking.

The tokimeki Challenge: Orchestrating Precision and Creativity

Organizing an event of this scale for an international governmental client requires seamless coordination and a deep understanding of the expectations of all parties involved (British and Japanese).

Our primary mission was to guarantee perfect technical and logistical execution, while ensuring the experience for Japanese guests met the high standards of British excellence.

Our Solution: Coordination and On-the-Ground Expertise

Drawing on our unique positioning between Japanese culture and international requirements, our involvement was structured around several essential pillars:

• Complete Production and Logistics: We managed the full production and setup of the event at The Playhouse Tokyo, ensuring every detail, from lighting installations to GREAT branding, was flawlessly executed.
• Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: tokimeki served as the central hub for coordination between the creative agency, the UK government, and all local Japanese vendors (caterers, logistics). Our ability to speak the same language—both literally and figuratively—was crucial.
• Expert Recruitment: We recruited the necessary support staff, as well as our exceptional trilingual MC, Clara Ambodin, whose intercultural knowledge guided and informed guests throughout the day.
• Creative Culinary Conception: To achieve the goal of “reproducibility,” the menu was designed to surprise and inspire:
  • Scottish mackerel tartine with nashi pears.
  • Welsh lamb rillette & dried cranberries.
  • Northern Irish beef croquette.
  • English cheddar tartlet with onion compote.
• Immersive Experience: Beyond the canapés, guests rediscovered key products (cheeses, spirits, mackerel pâté) enhanced with unexpected Japanese condiments such as shiso or chives, illustrating the potential for flavor fusion.

The Success: A Successful and Resounding Day

After long months of meticulous preparation, we were satisfied to see the event come to fruition and run without a hitch. The enthusiasm of the guests, who were both curious and delighted by the innovative culinary proposals, confirmed the success of the chosen approach.

The outcome of this GREAT campaign showcases tokimeki’s ability to manage high-stakes diplomatic and commercial events, ensuring a smooth connection between international standards and Japanese efficiency.

Ready to Launch Your Next Operation in Japan?

Whether you are a government entity, a large corporation, or a luxury brand, if your project requires the finesse of bicultural organization and flawless execution in Japan, the tokimeki team is ready.

Contact us today to turn your MICE, promotion, or sports objectives into a resounding success in Tokyo, Osaka, or elsewhere across the archipelago!