Minister Ikegami’s attendance at the 2026 World Marmalade Awards Ceremony
2026/4/25
On 25 April, Deputy Head of Mission Minister Masaki Ikegami attended the 2026 World Marmalade Awards Ceremony held at Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria.
At the awards ceremony, Minister Ikegami emphasised that this event - which began some 20 years ago and was born from the organisers’ desire to bring cheer to Dalemain through marmalade - has evolved into a competition sought after by marmalade enthusiasts worldwide, including in Japan. He also highlighted that it is not merely a competition but also an event with the power to contribute to the local community through its associated charitable endeavors. He noted that many entries from Japan were submitted to this year’s award, highlighting how marmalade has become a major cultural pillar of friendship between Japan and the UK.
Mayor Oshiro of Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture - the host of the Japanese competition - also attended, and an agreement was reached with the organisers to extend the license for the Japanese competition. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Embassy and Yawatahama City established a joint booth where they served visitors sake, citrus liqueur, green tea, and rice crackers, promoting Japanese cuisine and culture to attendees.
At the awards ceremony, Minister Ikegami emphasised that this event - which began some 20 years ago and was born from the organisers’ desire to bring cheer to Dalemain through marmalade - has evolved into a competition sought after by marmalade enthusiasts worldwide, including in Japan. He also highlighted that it is not merely a competition but also an event with the power to contribute to the local community through its associated charitable endeavors. He noted that many entries from Japan were submitted to this year’s award, highlighting how marmalade has become a major cultural pillar of friendship between Japan and the UK.
Mayor Oshiro of Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture - the host of the Japanese competition - also attended, and an agreement was reached with the organisers to extend the license for the Japanese competition. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Embassy and Yawatahama City established a joint booth where they served visitors sake, citrus liqueur, green tea, and rice crackers, promoting Japanese cuisine and culture to attendees.