The Embassy of Japan in Kuwait hosted a Wagyu promotion seminar on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations following the approval of Halal Wagyu imports from Japan into Kuwait.
The event, held at SAKURA Japanese Restaurant, brought together leading restaurant and hotel operators, food importers, and professional chefs to introduce Kuwait’s culinary sector to Japan’s premium beef industry.
In his opening remarks, Japan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Mukai Kenichiro, announced that Japanese and Kuwaiti authorities had successfully concluded extensive negotiations allowing the import of Halal-certified Wagyu beef into the Kuwaiti market.
The agreement, long anticipated by food industry stakeholders, he said, is expected to expand premium dining options and strengthen commercial exchange between the two countries.
The seminar featured a live culinary demonstration showcasing the proper handling, preparation, and serving techniques of A5 Wagyu — the highest grade of Japanese beef. Representatives from Japanese exporting companies also introduced renowned Wagyu varieties, including Omi Beef and Kurohana Beef, highlighting their distinctive quality and production standards.
The event concluded with a tasting session offering attendees a selection of Wagyu dishes, including roast beef, Wagyu sando (beef cutlet sandwich), and Wagyu steak.
Wagyu, produced under strict Japanese agricultural standards and in limited quantities, is internationally recognized for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor profile.
Widely featured in fine-dining establishments worldwide, the delicacy is now set to become part of Kuwait’s evolving gourmet food landscape.
Growing Japan–Kuwait Cooperation
Officials noted that the agreement reflects the long-standing friendship and expanding partnership between Japan and Kuwait, strengthened through a series of high-level exchanges in 2025.
The breakthrough was welcomed during a meeting in New York in September 2025 between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, where both sides endorsed measures facilitating Wagyu exports to Kuwait.
Gateway to Broader Cultural Exchange
Ambassador Mukai praised Kuwait’s appreciation for high-quality cuisine, describing Kuwaiti consumers as discerning gourmets with a strong interest in premium culinary experiences.
He expressed confidence that the introduction of Wagyu would elevate trade relations while opening new avenues for cultural and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The ambassador added that Wagyu represents only the beginning of broader collaboration, with expectations for deeper partnerships and enhanced cultural exchange in the years ahead.
