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Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Bringing Japan's flavors to Switzerland, we aim to celebrate, share, and unite through a delicious journey of culinary discovery.
We envision a community in Switzerland connected by the joy of Japanese food, fostering cultural appreciation and lasting memories.
Pia Henzelmann, the organizer of Japan Food Fest who loves Japanese cuisine and culture, attended Swiss Kansaijin Kai’s New Year Party in January 2020 at Burgbach-Saal, Zug. Her wonderful experience at this event combined with her unfulfilled craving for experiencing new Japanese food due to the small selection at cultural events in Switzerland inspired her to create an event focused solely on Japanese food.
With her vast events management experience and initial support of UniCon (a non-profit), she launched the pilot of her passion project “Japan Food Fest” in July 2022.
Although this event is now solely managed and organized by Pia, Japan Food Fest would not be possible without its lively volunteers, the support of friends and family, and the trust and advice from the Swiss-Japanese community.
Read more about Japan Food Fest's journey and get to know Pia below.
● Over 20 Stands (max capacity of the venue)
● Held in Spring
● Launch of contests and karaoke on stage
More exciting milestones to follow!
● Over 500+ attendees total over both days
● 2x increase in stand participation (18)
● 92% Attendee satisfaction rate
● 35% improvement in waste reduction
● Highlight vegan and vegetarian food
● Launch of stage program with live Japanese music, Taiko show, and talks
● Improved overall event experience by having more seating, tents for shade, and decorations
● Same weekend as Zürifest (unforeseen risk)
● Over 800+ attendees total over both days
● Most of the food stands sold out on the first day
● Included 1 non-food stand (origami) with multiple workshops for children
● Post-event video highlight
● Held in the first summer after COVID restrictions were fully lifted
● Supported by UniCon
Pia Henzelmann developed a love for Japanese food at a young age and since then actively explored the exciting world of Japanese cuisine. Japan Food Fest is a passion project / hobby that she works on in her free time and personal expense.
She is a full-time Project Manager for a digital communications and events company in Zürich and has over 10 years of event management experience which included volunteering for the JapAniManga Night, HeroFest, Unicon, Project Management Institute Switzerland, and many more.
In her free time, Pia either spends time with her family and cats, watches films, or takes social breaks.
Favorite Japanese food: Zaru soba
Favorite Japanese drink: Calpis soda