Prime Minister Montenegro's Emotional Culinary Adventure in Japan: Cooking with Michelin Chefs and Inspiring Hope at Expo Osaka

Montenegro's Final Day in Japan: A Mix of Cuisine, High-Speed Travel, and Heartfelt Moments

On the last day of his official visit to Japan, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro engaged in a series of memorable activities, including cooking alongside Michelin-starred chefs, riding the bullet train, and experiencing an emotional moment while delivering artworks made by hospitalized children to the Portuguese Pavilion at Expo Osaka.

A Relaxed Agenda with Culinary Highlights

After two days in China, including a stop in the Macau Special Administrative Region, Montenegro's schedule in Japan took a more leisurely turn. It began with a ride on the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka, setting the tone for a day focused on cultural exchange and promotion.

In Osaka, part of his delegation was treated to a lunch prepared by two Michelin-starred chefs: Portuguese chef Pedro Lemos and Japanese chef Yoshida San. This initiative, organized by Turismo de Portugal, aims to promote Portuguese cuisine in Japan through collaborations between culinary experts.

Montenegro donned a white chef's jacket and joined in the cooking, assisting with a reinvented version of a traditional Portuguese dish: stuffed squid. When asked by journalists, he shared that he is the primary cook at home, specializing in dishes like arroz de cabidela (a Portuguese rice dish) and recently experimenting with variations of "Brás" style dishes, using leftovers creatively. He humorously noted, "Perhaps this thriftiness is a contagion from managing the country's finances."

Expo Osaka Visit and Emotional Delivery

The highlight of the day was the visit to Expo Osaka, originally planned for May but rescheduled due to government resignation and early elections. Montenegro, accompanied by his wife, first toured the Japanese pavilion, which focuses on sustainability, before heading to the Portuguese pavilion. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma with the theme "Ocean: Blue Dialogue," the pavilion is managed by AICEP (Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal).

Joana Gomes Cardoso, the Portuguese commissioner-general, revealed that the pavilion has already welcomed 1.8 million visitors, accounting for over 10% of total expo attendance. It is a finalist for five global awards, including best mascot—Umi, a seahorse with a tail inspired by Portuguese tiles.

In an impromptu speech, Montenegro praised Portugal's modern image, highlighting its qualified workforce, technological advancements, and commitment to global issues like sustainability and peace. He then called his wife to the podium to present a gift to the pavilion: two artworks made by children from the Associação Marinheiros da Esperança (Sailors of Hope Association), a project involving pediatric patients.

Crafted from waste ash wood—the same material used for a table at the pavilion's entrance—the pieces were inspired by Umi. Montenegro, who carried them from Lisbon to Osaka, became emotional during the handover. "This message of hope and encouragement from these children, we return it with a great desire for them to overcome their health issues and be part of our future," he said.

The day concluded on the pavilion's terrace, overlooking the bustling expo, accompanied by the sounds of Portuguese guitar played by Tumi, a resident musician and student from Lisbon's Fado Museum.

Montenegro is scheduled to return to Lisbon later today, with arrival expected on Saturday morning.

Photo: António Cotrim / Lusa