This two-day programme invites visitors to discover the everyday pleasures of European food and drink - whether it's a glass of wine to unwind or a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon. Explore how EU products combine tradition, quality and versatility, making them a natural fit for daily enjoyment in Japan and beyond.
Deep Dives
1 June – Wines from the EU
Europe's wine culture is rooted in regional heritage, craftsmanship, and diversity. This session takes you through a curated selection of wines - ranging from elegant reds to aromatic whites - that demonstrate just how well EU wines can complement Japanese flavours.
The wine selection features a crisp white from Austria, a bold and structured red from Spain, an elegant and aromatic variety from Czechia, a delicate red wine Pinot Noir from Luxembourg, a rich and full-bodied wine from Romania, and a fresh, fruit-forward option from Slovakia Discover new pairings and techniques for enjoying wine in your everyday meals.
2 June – Sweet Moments: EU Pastries & Teatime
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a look into Europe’s pastry and preserve traditions. Whether it’s a biscuit with tea, a spoon of jam on toast, or a touch of honey in your dessert, these products offer comfort and indulgence with a European touch. Enjoy cookies from Portugal, rose jam from Hungary, honey from Latvia, blueberry and raspberry gummy candies from Sweden, strawberry jam from Poland, and organic acacia honey from Romania.
Product Tastings
Stop by the EU Food Festival on Wheels throughout the day to sample delicious combinations of European and Japanese ingredients. Each tasting highlights how EU products can be easily integrated into everyday meals and snacks.
Meet Tane-Chan!
Join Tane-Chan for more quiz fun as our cheerful mascot invites guests to test their knowledge of EU food and drink in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.
Detailed programme
Activities and Programme:
June 1
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU wines: Learn about the wide variety and special characteristics of EU wines.
- 13:00–13:20 - How to enjoy EU red wines in season – delicious red wines paired with Japanese snacks
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - How to enjoy EU white wines in season – crisp white wines paired with Japanese snacks.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings*: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
June 2
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s enjoy European teatime: Treat yourself to crumbly cookies, delicious biscuits and other sweet delights from the EU.
- 13:00–13:20 – Start your day the perfect way: Elevate your breakfasts and daytime snacks with EU jam.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 – Make your life sweeter: Discover the subtle flavours of delicious natural honey from the EU.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings*: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
Meet our experts!
Japanese Sommelier Association (JSA)
Founded in 1969, the JSA is a major professional organisation in the Japanese wine industry. With the growing popularity of wine in the archipelago, it has established itself as the leading authority in training its professionals. All certified Japanese sommeliers must pass its sommelier exam. It has a network of approximately 15,000 certified members (sommeliers, wine experts/advisors, and members*). And in a country where all business relies on networking, its influence lends significant weight to its decisions and statements.
Cheese Professional Association (CPA)
Founded in 2000, the Cheese Professional Association is a leading Japanese trade organisation dedicated to promoting cheese culture throughout Japan. It brings together experts, distributors, restaurateurs, and cheese enthusiasts with the aim of raising awareness and appreciation for cheese. The CPA organises events, competitions, and professional training — most notably the prestigious Cheese Professional certification exam — helping to elevate standards of knowledge and expertise among both professionals and the general public .
Japanese Olive Oil Taster’s Association (JOOTA)
JOOTA is the Japan Olive Oil Taster Association, a professional organisation in Japan that promotes olive oil quality and culture. They also host the JOOTA Awards, a Tokyo International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. The awards recognise excellence in extra virgin olive oils from around the world, with judging by professional tasters according to international standards.
A number of recognised experts in categories such as confectionery and meat will be on hand to share their insights. They will delve into the unique qualities of European ingredients and explore how these can be incorporated into the everyday practice of Japanese cuisine. Through their guidance, participants will gain a deeper understanding of flavour profiles, culinary applications, and the added value these ingredients bring to home cooking.
Check out our recipes!
Beer flavored edamame (Czechia).
Cranberries with tofu paste (Latvia).
Grilled duck with wasabi sauce (Hungary).
Red bean paste flavored with botrytised wine (Slovakia).
Red Potato Salad (Sweden).
Rolled omelet with porcini sauce (Poland).
Soy milk no-bake cheese cake (Austria).
Sunflower roll with Wakame butter (Luxembourg).
Pickled myoga with organic honey (Romania).
Pizza made with dumpling skin (Spain).
Port wine jelly (Portugal).
Practical information
EU Pavilion, Saving Live Zone, World Expo Site
