(Vice governor of Hokkaido Yasuhiro Tsuji (2nd from left) and representatives from the Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives and ForestLee Corpotation have an interview with Eastday.)

What comes to your mind when thinking of Hokkaido? The night view of Furano or Hakodate? The ramen of Sapporo or the seafood of Otaru? Shiroi Koibito or Jaga Pokkuru? On the occasion of the first China International Import Expo being held in Shanghai, Yasuhiro Tsuji, Vice governor of Hokkaido, has brought with him authentic everyday delicacies from Hokkaido to add to our Hokkaido awareness.

Along with representatives from two Hokkaido food companies, Mr. Tsuji sat down with Eastday and talked about what Hokkaido has to present to Chinese consumers and buyers.

According to Mr. Tsuji, Hokkaido is showcasing more than 600 products from 20 companies at the import fair. Among them are agricultural products, seafood and popular desserts, such as rice, soybeans, wine, soy sauce, chocolate and Hokkaido milk ice cream; enough to make people drool.

However, the best product, in Mr. Tsuji’s eyes, is neither Shiroi Koibito nor Jaga Pokkuru. Instead, it is the humble-looking rice which we see every day at the dining table. Hokkaido rice is the favorite of most Hokkaido residents, who deem it as a daily delicacy.

During the interview, a representative from the Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives shared the secret of how to cook the rice. “The ratio of rice to water should be under perfect control. If you use the cup of a typical Japanese rice cooker, you have to mix 1 cup of rice mixed with 1/4 cup of water. Cook it after soaking the rice for 30 minutes to release the full fragrance in the crystal-clear rice.”

Apart from the food, the unique food culture of Hokkaido is also brought to the exposition. At their booth, Hokkaido companies have set up a mini-kitchen, where visitors can learn cooking skills and the use of different condiments.

Another recommended specialty, as Mr. Tsuji put it, is Hokkaido’s wine, which is a perfect match for sushi and sashimi. Grapes in Hokkaido are widely used because of their strong cold tolerance.

As winter is approaching, Mr. Tsuji also invited Chinese tourists to Hokkaido to enjoy skiing, hot springs and seafood.

After the week-long import expo, Hokkaido’s products will be showcased at a commodity exhibition center in Hongqiao, giving Shanghai citizens a chance to taste this authentic Hokkaido food.