UCCN
Usuki city joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy in November 2021, in recognition of its rich natural environment, its food culture rooted in local wisdom, and initiatives that make use of that food culture.
What is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)?
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a framework established by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2004. Its aim is to contribute to sustainable development worldwide by promoti ng international collaboration and mutual exchange among cities that place creativity and culture at their core.
Eight fields
- Literature
- Film
- Music
- Crafts & Folk Art
- Design
- Media Arts
- Gastronomy
- Architecture
Number of member cities
408 cities (66 in the field of Gastronomy)
※As of October 31, 2025
Related links
Usuki: A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
On November 8, 2021, Usuki City was officially designated as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Net work in the field of Gastronomy. This designation recognize s not only the food culture that local residents have long cherished and passed down, but also the city’s efforts to enhance the diversity and sustainability of food which were considered to have the potential to contribute to international cooperation economic growth, and sustainable urban development.
Within Japan, Usuki became the 10th city to join the Network and the 2nd city to be recognized in the field of Gastronomy, following Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture, which was designated in 2014.
Japanese member cities
Gastronomy
- Tsuruoka City (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Usuki City (Oita Prefecture)
Design
Crafts & Folk Art
- Kanazawa City (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Tamba s asayama City (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Echizen City (Fukui Prefecture)
Media Arts
Music
Hamamatsu City (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Film
Yamagata City (Yamagata Prefecture)