Japan Working to Improve Treatment of "Culinary Diplomats"
Tokyo, May 18 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Foreign Ministry is working to improve the treatment of chefs at Japanese diplomatic missions around the world, who serve as the Asian nation's "culinary diplomats."
In light of labor shortages in recent years, the ministry will increase pay for such chefs by about 1.5 times. It will also shift away from the "outdated" practice of heads of diplomatic missions, including ambassadors, concluding private employment contracts with chefs.
In July, the ministry will start accepting applications for these chef positions under improved working conditions, with the improved treatment set to take effect next January.
There are over 200 Japanese diplomatic missions, including embassies and consulates-general, around the world.
Chefs at these establishments are responsible for creating menus, procuring ingredients and preparing dishes for dinners and receptions hosted by heads of the establishments to entertain foreign dignitaries.
The Japanese government considers "washoku" Japanese cuisine as part of the country's "soft power," and these chefs are expected to play a key role in this context.
"The best thing about my job is that I get to make full use of my knowledge and experience in an inconvenient environment," said Muneyuki Izawa, the 56-year-old chef at the Japanese ambassador's official residence in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
"I hope (people) try their hand" at being culinary diplomats, he added.
In recent years, Japan has been facing difficulties hiring chefs for its diplomatic missions overseas. More than 10 Japanese embassies currently lack chefs, according to the ministry.
The absence of chefs "could affect our ability to attract guests for parties and compete with other countries," a former ambassador said.
In a survey of chefs at diplomatic establishments and people who had declined offers to become such chefs, some complained about unstable working conditions, including the need to negotiate pay.
"I was fed up with dealing with the ambassador," a former chef said.
Also behind the shortage of applicants for chef positions at diplomatic establishments is the current washoku boom overseas, which makes it even more difficult to hire Japanese chefs.
To improve the situation, the ministry has decided to set the term of chefs at two years in principle to support their career development. It will also allow chefs to conclude contracts with diplomatic missions.
The ministry will also improve allowances for chefs, including creating spousal allowances. Chefs' annual pay is expected to total at least 6 million yen.
Furthermore, chefs will be allowed to live in private rental homes while receiving new residential allowances. Until now, they have been required in principle to live in the official residences of heads of diplomatic missions.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said, "We hope to recruit talented chefs to further strengthen Japan's diplomatic foundation."
END
