Kenny hails trust between nations then takes leap of faith with toxic blowfish
But just minutes after he hailed “the trust between both countries” his words were put to the test, when the Japanese prime minister offered Enda Kenny the most poisonous, edible species of fish in the world.
Shinzo Abe hosted a business dinner in honour of the Taoiseach at his residence last night, during Mr Kenny’s visit to Tokyo as part of a trade mission.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny visits one of Japan's cultural landmarks, Meiji Shrineアイルランドのエンダ ケニー首相が日本の文化的象徴の一つ、明治神宮を参拝しました。 pic.twitter.com/oeyLPEwl23
— アイルランド大使館 Ireland in Japan (@IrishEmbJapan) December 1, 2013
And among the delicacies on offer was the infamous puttlefish or blowfish, or fugu as it’s known in Japan, where its preparation is strictly controlled under law. Banned in many countries, it causes around six deaths annually in Japan, and many illnesses, including one suffered in a Michelin Star restaurant.
Such are the toxicity levels in parts of its body, that it has to be prepared by highly qualified and licensed chefs. They are strictly regulated because failure in the task of removing all poisonous parts will almost inevitably result in fatality.
Mr Kenny met Mr Abe last evening, during which a far more benign species, Irish cattle, were the main item on the agenda. Mr Abe agreed to lift his country’s ban on Irish beef products, which has been in place since the BSE crisis in 2000, meaning offal cuts from the stomach, which are highly sought after in Japan, can now be exported from Ireland.
Taoiseach meets PM Abe and announces the reopening of Japanese market for Irish beef pic.twitter.com/hfaCxTjLhK
— アイルランド大使館 Ireland in Japan (@IrishEmbJapan) December 2, 2013
It followed the recent visit to Ireland of Japanese scientists to test beef in Ireland for safety. Mr Kenny said this was a “demonstration of trust between two countries in respect of a sensitive matter”.
But it was nothing to the leap of faith he would have to take when he was whisked off to the dinner minutes later. The mixture of western and Japanese cuisine started with a duck pâté with port wine sauce. That was followed by the thin slices of “globefish” — another name for blowfish — usually served raw, but in this case smoked. Mr Abe assured the Taoiseach that it was prepared very safely.
This was followed by fatty tuna with wasabi, tilefish with paprika, and a Japanese beef fillet. There was then some rice topped with deep-fried shrimp, tuna, hand-shaped sushi, and traditional miso soup. Having survived the experience, we can only assume that trust is now firmly established between both nations.
Relationships of another kind were on the agenda earlier when the Japanese education minister suggested that Ireland should establish itself as a romantic destination for tourists from his country.
Taoiseach with Chairman Yonekura of Keidanren discussing trade links with Japan 日本との通商関係について話し合うケニー首相と経団連の米倉会長です。 pic.twitter.com/5uvF5kaRqn
— アイルランド大使館 Ireland in Japan (@IrishEmbJapan) December 2, 2013
He explained to the Taoiseach that the word “Ai” means “love” in Japan, and the first of three Japanese symbols to make the word Ireland is the symbol for love.
And seeing as Saint Valentine is believed to be buried in Dublin, it would be the perfect Feb 14th holiday destination for a people who celebrate the day more than any other nation, he said.
The suggestion was made in the context of a discussion about food exports from Ireland to Japan, and the potential for exporting Irish chocolates at the time of year when Japanese women traditionally buy sweets for their men.
Taoiseach and Minister Coveney meet Japan Ireland Friendship League at the Diet, here with MEXT Minister Shimomura pic.twitter.com/mch6vqGLIt
— アイルランド大使館 Ireland in Japan (@IrishEmbJapan) December 2, 2013
