Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (OC Global; Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) conducted traditional Japanese cuisine training for Ukrainian refugees as part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s technical cooperation project, the Project for Enhancing Private Sector Engagement for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, covering agriculture, education, etc. through applying the Fast Track System, and in which OC Global is participating as a member of a joint venture*.

*Joint venture composition: KPMG AZSA LLC (lead firm) and OC Global

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Ms. Larisa Barska receiving instruction in fish filleting techniques

Ms. Larisa Barska holding her certificate of completion

This project aims to assess the value of products, services, technologies, and expertise offered by Japanese private companies, while supporting their business expansion into Ukraine and neighboring countries. As part of its Japanese culinary human resource development program, ABC Style Co., Ltd., one of the project’s participating companies, conducted Japanese culinary training for Ms. Larisa Barska, a Ukrainian evacuee, at Sushi Teppanyaki Hana Honten, a restaurant operated by Hayano Shoji Co., Ltd. ABC Style joined the project with a view to launching an integrated service in Ukraine that combines Japanese food service operations with vocational training, human resource development, and job-matching services.

The training was conducted over 30 days, from August 18 to September 26. The curriculum covered comprehensive skills ranging from preparing sushi rice, filleting fish, and forming nigiri sushi, to hygiene management and customer service. Together with Head Chef Asama of Sushi Teppanyaki Hana Honten, the trainee also took on the challenge of developing menu items using locally available ingredients in Ukraine. A presentation of the results and a completion ceremony were held on September 26.

Upon completing the training, Ms. Barska expressed her deep gratitude and voiced her hope for an early end to the war. She also stated her determination to continue refining the skills she had acquired. She shared her aspirations, saying, “By sharing the beauty and techniques of Japanese cuisine, I hope to help ease the hearts of those in Ukraine who have been hurt by the war, provide them with new opportunities to learn, and offer them a renewed sense of purpose.” Head Chef Asama, who supervised the training, praised her dedication: “Even after completing the daily assignments, she worked diligently on her own to improve. She has a strong spirit of wanting others to enjoy the food she prepares, which is the most important mindset for any chef. I’m confident she will succeed no matter what challenges she may face.” Looking ahead, Ms. Barska plans to adapt the training content to current conditions and needs in Ukraine, and will share Japanese culinary techniques as an instructor in her home country.

OC Global continues to support Ukrainian refugees by participating in donation-based programs implemented by JICA and accepting corporate trainees as part of our ongoing efforts.

Through multifaceted and comprehensive initiatives, OC Global supports the economic development of the respective countries while standing with people living under conflict, and remain committed to the realization of a peaceful and conflict-free society.