Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergey Korsunsky reacted to a statement made by Ukrainian restaurateur Yevgeny Klopotenko on March 27th on Facebook, in which he claimed that due to Russian propaganda, Japanese people mistakenly believe that Ukrainian borscht is a Russian dish.
Klopotenko’s statement sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Ukrainians expressing frustration and disappointment over the lack of recognition for their national dish. Borscht, a traditional soup made with beets, cabbage, and meat, has been a staple in Ukrainian cuisine for centuries and is often considered a symbol of Ukrainian identity.
In his Facebook post, Ambassador Korsunsky addressed Klopotenko’s statement, stating that it is unfortunate that some people in Japan have been influenced by false information and propaganda. He emphasized that borscht is a Ukrainian dish and has no connection to Russia. Korsunsky also expressed his hope that through cultural exchanges and events, Japanese people will have the opportunity to taste and appreciate the authentic Ukrainian borscht.
The Ukrainian Ambassador’s response received a positive reaction from both Ukrainians and Japanese people. Many expressed their gratitude for his efforts in promoting Ukrainian culture and cuisine in Japan. Some even shared their personal experiences of introducing borscht to their Japanese friends and how they were pleasantly surprised by its unique taste.
This incident sheds light on the impact of propaganda and misinformation on people’s perceptions. In recent years, Russia has been actively spreading false information about Ukraine and its culture, in an attempt to undermine its sovereignty and identity. The fact that even a simple dish like borscht has been caught up in this propaganda war highlights the need for greater efforts in promoting and preserving Ukrainian culture and heritage.
Fortunately, there are already many initiatives in place to promote Ukrainian cuisine in Japan. The Embassy of Ukraine in Japan regularly organizes cultural events and food festivals, showcasing traditional dishes like borscht to the Japanese public. In addition, there are also several Ukrainian restaurants in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, offering authentic Ukrainian dishes to curious diners.
It is important to note that the popularity of Ukrainian cuisine in Japan is not solely based on its taste, but also on the cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries. Japan and Ukraine have a long history of diplomatic and economic relations, and in recent years, cultural exchanges have also been on the rise. This has led to a growing interest in Ukrainian culture and cuisine among the Japanese people.
In conclusion, the reaction of Ambassador Korsunsky to the statement made by Yevgeny Klopotenko serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting and preserving Ukrainian culture and cuisine. Borscht may just be a simple soup, but it represents the rich history and identity of Ukraine. Through efforts in cultural exchange and education, we can continue to promote a positive and accurate image of Ukraine to the world. And who knows, maybe one day borscht will become as popular in Japan as sushi is in Ukraine.
