On June 21, 2024, the Franco-Japanese Society of Kamakura hosted a conference dedicated to the culinary culture and history of Provence, marking the long-awaited return of the association’s gastronomic and cultural events after several years of interruption. Held at the the Kamakura Women and Children’s Hall in Kamakura, the gathering brought together around thirty participants eager to explore the flavors and traditions of southern France.
For Shonan Focus, this event offered the opportunity to document a different kind of cultural encounter, where knowledge, taste and conviviality came together in an intimate setting. From the early moments of preparation to the shared meal at the end of the conference, the photographic approach focused on capturing both the atmosphere and the human interactions that defined the day.
The conference began at 11:00 am with a talk by Professor Isao Hirota, a specialist in French economic history and regional cuisine. With clarity and warmth, he guided the audience through the evolution of Provençal culinary traditions, weaving historical context with engaging anecdotes. As a former vice president of the Franco-Japanese House and emeritus professor at the University of Tokyo, Professor Hirota brought depth and authority to the discussion, while maintaining a relaxed and accessible tone.
Photographically, particular attention was given to the expressions of the audience, the gestures of the speaker and the subtle details of the venue. Natural light, discreet framing and unobtrusive positioning allowed the images to reflect the calm concentration and curiosity shared by participants throughout the lecture.
The conference was followed by a Provençal lunch prepared by Chef Akito Sasaki,a member of the Japan chapter of the Académie Culinaire de France. Trained by Makoto Watanabe and experienced in prestigious establishments before opening his own restaurants, Chef Sasaki presented a menu designed as a true sensory journey. A bouillabaisse terrine as a starter, chicken Provençal as the main course, and a lemon meringue tart for dessert offered a faithful interpretation of regional French cuisine.
During the meal, Shonan Focus focused on capturing textures, colors and moments of exchange around the table. The images highlight not only the dishes themselves, but also the shared pleasure of tasting, discussing and discovering together. Smiles, attentive glances and spontaneous reactions tell the story of an event experienced as much through emotion as through flavor.
The success of the day was evident in the enthusiasm of the participants, who expressed their appreciation for this unique cultural and culinary immersion. Through photography, Shonan Focus aimed to preserve these moments and provide the association with visual material that reflects the spirit of its mission.
At the close of the event, the president of the Franco-Japanese Society of Kamakura, Mr Yamazaki, along with the event organizer, Ms Nakanishi, warmly thanked all participants and announced future gatherings. Beyond documenting the conference, Shonan Focus focused on preserving the atmosphere, the exchanges and the shared enjoyment that made this moment special. For organizations seeking to showcase their cultural or corporate events with thoughtful, discreet photography, discover our Event Photography services.
.
Photography by Shonan Focus