Sayart.net - Cultural Collaboration: Manga Artist Masayuki Kusumi to Promote Korean Gastronomy for Japanese Tourists

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

In a bid to attract more Japanese tourists to Korea, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has unveiled a unique collaboration with acclaimed manga artist Masayuki Kusumi. This strategic endeavor seeks to introduce Japanese travelers to lesser-known Korean restaurants with a particular appeal to Japanese tastes, using video clips inspired by Kusumi's renowned manga series, "The Solitary Gourmet."

Masayuki Kusumi is presently visiting Korea and will be capturing the essence of these hidden culinary gems in video clips reminiscent of the beloved Japanese drama series "The Solitary Gourmet" (2012-2021). This cherished drama, based on Kusumi's manga of the same title, ran from 1994 to 1996. Through these creative culinary journeys, the Ministry aims to pique the interest of Japanese tourists and showcase Korean cuisine's diversity.

The culture ministry has identified Masayuki Kusumi as a key influencer in attracting Japanese men to Korea, citing that a substantial 70 percent of the viewership for the Japanese food drama comprised Japanese men. The tourism market for Japanese male travelers in Korea is viewed as an untapped opportunity. Recent statistics from the ministry indicate that post-Covid-19, 43 percent of Japanese tourists to Korea were in their 20s and 30s, with 66 percent being women.

The ministry emphasized the potential for growth in the overseas travel market for Japanese men, as they exhibit a higher inclination to travel abroad across all age groups.

Masayuki Kusumi also engaged in discussions with prominent Korean cartoonist Huh Young-man to brainstorm ideas for further enhancing cultural tourism exchanges between the two nations. Reflecting on the role of his work in fostering Korean-Japanese cooperation, Masayuki Kusumi stated, "I was surprised when President Yoon Seok Yeol mentioned the drama 'The Solitary Gourmet' at the Korea-Japan summit. I felt proud that my work contributed to the expansion of exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Japan."

He further highlighted the popularity of Korean cuisine among young Japanese people, noting that food has become a significant driver for Japanese travelers to explore Korea. A recent survey by the ministry revealed that two out of three Japanese tourists visiting Korea look forward most to savoring Korean dishes during their trip.

The data also underscores the satisfaction of Japanese tourists with their visits to Korea, with 73.7 percent of them having visited Korea at least twice, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute's findings in 2019. Masayuki Kusumi, renowned for his manga works incorporating food, including "The Solitary Gourmet" and "Ms. Hana's Simple Cooking," continues to play a vital role in connecting the culinary worlds of Korea and Japan.

Sayart.net

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com