“Itadakimas” Festival to Strengthen the Foundation’s Social Programs

3 August, 2026

• The public will enjoy Japanese cuisine and culture on Saturday, August 22, at the Brazil Pavilion of Fexpocruz.

Itadakimasu is a Japanese expression said before every meal as a gesture of gratitude for the food, for everyone who helped bring it to the table, and for those sharing the meal. Inspired by this spirit of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness, the “Itadakimas” Japanese Gastronomic and Cultural Festival was created as a charitable initiative organized by the National Safe Life Foundation.

The festival will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Brazil Pavilion of Fexpocruz, bringing together around twenty restaurants specializing in Japanese and Nikkei cuisine. The event is supported by the Consulate of Japan, the Japanese Social Center, renowned chef Koichi Kuroiwa, and the Japanese community in Santa Cruz. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to strengthen the Foundation’s ongoing social programs.

José Luis Camacho Miserendino, President of National Safe Life Foundation, expressed his confidence that the festival will be a success, both because of the appreciation that the people of Santa Cruz have for Japanese culture and because of the charitable purpose behind the initiative.

“This festival will allow us to continue promoting programs in health, education, sports, and culture, creating opportunities and helping improve the quality of life of thousands of people, especially those in vulnerable communities,” he said.

Julio César Caballero Moreno, Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized that the festival will offer far more than a culinary experience. “Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of Japanese and Nikkei dishes while experiencing an authentic immersion into the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. The program includes traditional dance performances, origami demonstrations, Japanese calligraphy exhibitions, and other cultural expressions that will make this a unique, enriching, and unforgettable experience,” he said.

Admission

Admission is Bs. 50 (approximately US$7), while children under the age of 12 will be admitted free of charge. All proceeds from ticket sales will be allocated exclusively to Fundación Nacional Vida Segura.

Inside the Brazil Pavilion, participating restaurants will offer their specialties at a variety of price points, featuring everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to innovative Nikkei creations.

Tickets are available through the Ticketeg platform:
https://www.ticketeg.com/#/itadakimas2026

Confirmed Restaurants

Japanese cuisine is one of the most diverse and refined in the world. Although it is often associated solely with sushi, its richness extends far beyond and includes a vast variety of dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques that vary by region and season. Ramen, tempura, yakitori, udon, soba, gyoza, donburi, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, and sashimi are just some of the specialties that reflect the balance of flavor, freshness, and presentation that characterizes this cuisine.

The following restaurants, pastry shops, and other establishments have confirmed their participation in the Japanese Gastronomic and Cultural Festival “Itadakimas”:

• Santoku 
• Kaizen
• Yorimichi Express
• Hattori
• Amo Sushi
• A Trochi Mochi by Trosh
• Noa Plantshop and Coffee
• Shitake
• New Tokyo
• Kao by Sach’a
• Restaurante Japonés Kenchan 
• Shimaya Ramen
• Senpai Burger
• Naoki Sushi
• Nakamura Ramen
• Nori Sushi
• Dojo 
• Hoppe
• Yoshimura
• Miso Restoramen
• Asato’s Pork
• Daruma and Jenny’s
• Jenny’s Bakery