Opening night

The congress got underway last night in a spectacular fashion. Lots of wonderful food – and free booze – greeted the 180 delegates.
IFAJ president David Markey said a few words as did the Japanese Agricultural Journalists Association president Hiroki Ose.
There then followed the traditional breaking open the saki ceremony.
With the congress open there was lots of networking and socialising.
The most interesting part of the evening was the carving up of the Blue Fin Tuna .. now it proved something special. At 15-years-old this fish is worth the same as a new BMW car. Not bad for a fish I guess. As you can see from pictures it proved an interesting ceremony with lots of swords and large knives used to cut the fish up.
The meat was exquisite – and yes, eaten raw with just a hint of soya sauce.
We had musicians too. The evening was rounded off with the traditional tea ceremony before everyone dispersed back to the bar.
All in all an excellent start to the congress.