Japan To Enter Indonesian Market Through Cool, Japan Project

Jakarta, Nov 27 (ANTARA) - Yuko Sakamoto, staff of the Media and Content Industry Division of the Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), said that Japan will be entering the Indonesian market through the Cool Japan project. "Cool Japan project is sponsored by METI to promote the Japanese food and beverage industry in Asia, including Indonesia," said Sakamoto. METI chose Indonesia for the pilot project because it is more lucrative than other countries in the region. Sakamoto added that the project will improve the economy and increase the public`s awareness of the Japanese culture. "Compared to the Philippines and Thailand, Indonesia is more familiar with Japan and the Japanese culture," said Sakamoto. The project will start with the food and beverage industry since Indonesia is known for culinary arts. "According to the Indonesia Research Institute Japan Co Ltd, Indonesia ensures that its culinary arts sector is up to date. Food is indeed an important element of the Indonesian culture," said Sakamoto. METI`s research also shows that the television is the most influential medium in Indonesia. Thus, METI will infuse the entertainment element into this project by collaborating with Japan Fuji Television. "We will collaborate with Fuji Television to broadcast the Iron Chef program, to promote the Japanese food and beverage industry," said Sakamoto. The Iron Chef is a famous cooking competition program initiated by Japan Fuji Television, and it is popular in the US, Australia and many other countries. "In Indonesia, the management of Fuji Television is still in the midst of negotiations with the local television networks," Sakamoto said. METI promoted the Cool Japan project during the Indonesian Creative Product Week 2012, organised by Indonesia�s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in Jakarta from November 20-25.