In recent years, Japanese wine has been making remarkable progress.
With wineries winning prestigious awards at wine competitions around the world, it would be no exaggeration to say that it is one of Japan's rapidly growing industries.
Meanwhile, there are still many industries in Japan that are not widely known but are worthy of pride.
One of them is "Japanese cheese."
When it comes to the basics of wine pairing, it's about "matching regional wines with regional food," and if that's the case, "Japanese cheese" is an indispensable companion to Japanese wine.
Amazingly, a documentary film called "Fromage Japonais" focusing on Japanese cheese will now be produced.
And recently, crowdfunding for the "Fromage Japonais" production project has finally started on "CAMPFIRE."
In this article, we'll share the details.
About "Fromage Japonais"
"Fromage Japonais" is a documentary film that conveys the "now" of Japanese cheese.
It is produced with the aim of communicating to many people both domestically and internationally that "Japan has its own cheese," including the high technical level of Japanese processed cheese, the thoughts and backgrounds of natural cheese artisans, various dairy farming styles, and the history and future of Japanese cheese.
Why was the "Fromage Japonais" production project launched?
These are the reasons.
- The fact that cheese is being made in Japan is not widely recognized in the first place.
- There are over 340 cheese workshops in Japan, but their existence is still not well known.
- The appeal of Japanese cheese is not well understood (taste, quality, individual characteristics, etc.).
For many people, Japanese cheese is something they buy as a souvenir at tourist destinations famous for dairy farming or see at department store events.
Furthermore, while Japanese wine fans surely have a strong interest in Japanese cheese, there are likely voices saying they've been skipping it because they haven't had the opportunity to learn about its actual situation and reality.
Under these circumstances, the "Fromage Japonais" production project has dreams it wants to realize.
They are...
- Expanding domestic and international recognition of Japanese cheese
- Creating opportunities to increase the number of people who eat Japanese cheese
- Conveying the technology and excellence of the Japanese cheese industry
This documentary film may trigger some major change in the Japanese cheese industry.
The support of Japanese wine fans who want to cherish Japanese craftsmanship is needed.
About the Film's Structure and Production Committee Members
"Fromage Japonais" is planned to be produced in four parts.
・Part 1: The History of Japanese Cheese
From the origins of Japanese cheese to the present, with behind-the-scenes stories from developers who knew those times
・Part 2: Japanese Processed Cheese
The high technical level of Japanese processed cheese manufacturing that the world can be proud of
・Part 3: Japanese Natural Cheese
The commitment of artisans who produce high-quality cheese
・Part 4: Toward the Future
Introduction to circular dairy farming, whey recycling, and the activities of people who will carry the future of the cheese industry
And here are the committee members who will produce this content.
・Cheese Professional Association Advisor
・Guilde du Fromage Japon Director
・Guilde des Fromages Chevalier
・Guilde du Fromage Japon Director
・Guilde des Fromages Chevalier
・L'Ecole du Vin Cheese & Wine Lead Instructor
・French Language Instructor
・Guilde des Fromages Chevalier
・Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Consortium Certified Ambassador
・Les Anges d'Or Wine Salon Director
・World Heritage Sommelier®️
・Tokyo Kasei University Faculty of Humanities Part-time Lecturer
・"L'Ecole du Vin" Cheese Instructor
・Guilde des Fromages Chevalier
・Bread & Cheese Coordinator
・Bread & Cooking School "Sakura Kitchen" Director
・Fromage Japonais Production Committee Secretary General
・Cheese Professional Association Certified Cheese Professional
・Japan Sommelier Association Certified Wine Expert
・Chief Editor of "Nihonwine.jp," a web media to know the "now" of Japanese wine
Furthermore, the director and producer of "Fromage Japonais" is, following last year's film "Vin Japonais," none other than"NORIZO",
"Following last year's film 'Vin Japonais,' I will be directing and producing this work as well.
Like Japanese wine, the high quality and technology of Japanese cheese are still not well known. I myself am moved by the excellence of Japanese cheese through filming every day.
I am putting my full effort into filming this time as well, so that I can deliver the charm of Japanese cheese, which Japan is proud of, to everyone through video.
'Japanese wine, after all, goes well with Japanese cheese.' I want those who watched the film Vin Japonais to also watch this work. Please look forward to the release!"he commented.
In addition, comments from each of the production members are posted on the crowdfunding page, so please check them out.
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/674313
About the Returns
The crowdfunding for the "Fromage Japonais" production project also has substantial returns.
There are courses from A to G, with seven returns prepared according to the amount.
The return contents are summarized briefly below.
- DVD delivery
- Name listed in end credits
- Priority invitation to Vin Japonais Fest 2023
- Cheese to enjoy at the venue!
- Selected cheese delivered directly from the workshop
- Restaurant dinner invitation to enjoy cheese dishes
Please also check the crowdfunding page for details on the returns.
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/674313
Let's Promote Japanese Cheese Together!
"Fromage Japonais" has already started filming in April 2023 and will continue until March 2024.
The film release schedule is planned for the first screening at a movie theater in Tokyo around April 2024.
And the crowdfunding campaign will run for two months until July 31.
Not only Japanese wine, but Japanese cheese is interesting too!
With the power of Japanese wine fans, let's promote Japanese cheese domestically and to the world!!
Reference
Documentary Film "Fromage Japonais" Production Project on Japanese Cheese
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/674313