'The World's Rendang' in Tokyo: When Rendang Aroma Unites Indonesia and Japan

Tokyo felt a little different last weekend. Amid the usual bustle of Yoyogi Park filled with locals and tourists, the distinct aroma of Minang spices suddenly wafted through, enticing passersby. Not without reason—it was here that the "Marandang Dunia" event took place, a culinary celebration that not only whetted appetites but also made new history.

As part of the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival (IJFF) 2025, the Minangkabau Family Association (IKM) community successfully cooked the largest amount of rendang abroad, earning recognition from the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI).

According to the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, 200 kilograms of meat were traditionally cooked in large woks—enough to feed an entire village of Indonesian cuisine enthusiasts.

Beyond cooking, this event symbolized the close bond between two nations united by taste and culture.

The Embassy's Charge d'Affaires Ad Interim, Maria Renata Hutagalung, praised the IJFF 2025 organizers for facilitating warm encounters between Indonesian and Japanese communities.

"IJFF 2025 demonstrates our nations' strong friendship, with increasingly close ties between citizens built on mutual respect and trust we continuously nurture," Maria stated.

She added that the Embassy consistently works to strengthen people-to-people relations and improve services for Indonesians in Japan.

Festival Full of Color and Flavor

IJFF 2025 became a true cultural celebration. All 104 festival booths included 42 dedicated to Indonesian cuisine—from Madura satay and Padang rice to nostalgic traditional market snacks.

Other booths covered employment, remittances, and Indonesian-Japanese art performances. The Ardian Sumarwan Angklung Clinic captivated visitors with harmonious bamboo melodies.

The Embassy and Bank Indonesia Tokyo also provided consultation services on immigration, investment, finance, and promoted QRIS Cross-Border to support economic literacy.

Notably, the Embassy conducted an Image Survey to gauge Japanese perceptions of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, visitors enthusiastically photographed a Komodo dragon replica promoting Indonesia's super-priority tourist destinations.

Music, Laughter, and Rendang

Performances by singer Shakira Jasmine and group Raspati & Pia (ex-Utopia) energized thousands of attendees.

Throughout the music, the rendang's aroma from giant woks lingered—symbolizing homecoming warmth for wanderers.

"Marandang Dunia" at IJFF 2025 wasn't just record-breaking; it celebrated taste, culture, and friendship.

In those woks, 200kg of meat cooked with coconut milk and spices—plus love, memories, and communal spirit—made anyone in Tokyo feel at home. (Antara)