Seng Teams with Nolan Ryan to Host Japanese Restaurateurs in Houston

(from left) ICON-AGRI executives T. Marc Hashimoto and Takenao Goto joined Nolan Ryan and Philip Seng for a press conference at Houston’s Minute Maid Park

On Aug. 29, USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng joined baseball legend Nolan Ryan in hosting a team of Japanese restaurateurs for a press conference prior to the Houston Astros-Texas Rangers game at Houston’s Minute Maid Park.

Yakiniku Den Restaurants, a Japanese-style barbecue chain headquartered in Osaka, recently completed a major promotion for Nolan Ryan Beef in its restaurants. Company executives and restaurant managers, along with 10 customers who were winners in the promotion, were honored as special guests at Friday night's game. Also in attendance were executives and buyers from Japanese importer ICON-AGRI.

Ryan pitched in the major leagues for 27 years and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. He was active in promoting U.S. beef in Japan upon its post-BSE return to the market, joining Seng in Tokyo for a 2007 promotion.

“Nolan Ryan has had tremendous interest in the Japanese market for a long time,” Seng said. He’s developed strong business partnerships in Japan and his brand is performing very well there.”