"It's Not Too Sweet": Japan Ambassador Fumio Shimizu Makes SA's Famous Peppermint Crisp Tart

• Japan's Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Fumio Shimizu, put on an apron and attempted one of the country's most beloved desserts
• The Ambassador layered Tennis Biscuits, Caramel Treat, whipped cream and Peppermint Crisp chocolate in the classic no-bake fridge pudding
• South Africans were charmed by his effort and flooded the comments with praise for his embrace of local culture

Japan's Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Fumio Shimizu, swapped diplomatic formalities for a kitchen apron on 4 September 2026 in Gauteng. He took on a challenge close to every South African's heart: making a peppermint crisp tart from scratch.

The video, posted by the Embassy of Japan in South Africa on Instagram, shows Ambassador Shimizu working his way through the iconic no-bake dessert with care and good humour. He scooped Caramel Treat from the tin, whipped cream in a separate bowl, chopped Peppermint Crisp chocolate and then layered everything with Tennis Biscuits before sliding the dish into the fridge to set.

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A South African classic gets a diplomatic twist

The peppermint crisp tart is one of South Africa's most nostalgic desserts. It requires no oven, relying on just four locally loved ingredients — Tennis Biscuits, Nestlé Caramel Treat, whipped cream and the signature Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar — layered together and chilled until the biscuits soften and the flavours meld. It is a fixture at braais, family gatherings and Christmas tables across the country.

After patiently waiting for his tart to set, Ambassador Shimizu gave it a proper taste test. His verdict was measured but warm: it was not as sweet as he had expected, describing the flavour as moderate — something he noticed in many South African foods. He ended with a confident "Lekker" and went back for a second bite.

Watch Ambassador Shimizu make the peppermint crisp tart.

Mzansi falls for the ambassador's kitchen adventures

South Africans in the comments section on the Instagram page could not hide their affection for him:

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@incue_musiq_nkuna wrote:

"Ambassador of the Year, nobody like him 🤞"

@robbiej99 said:

"I was not expecting to have a favourite ambassador, but here we are."

@pretjjay added:

"Best loved Ambassador in South Africa ❤️❤️❤️"

@nozipho_zwane_ shared:

"I absolutely enjoy these series. You're such an incredible Ambassador 🙌🏾👏🏾❤️"

@azania_ observed:

"Lekker content, Ambassador. Cultural diplomacy is a great strategy. Especially while so many are deploying 'hard power'. 'Soft power' has never felt this sweet. ❤️🔥"

More on SA food culture

• Briefly News recently reported on an old grocery advert that resurfaced online and left South Africans reflecting on just how much their money has lost its value over the decades.
• A Korean woman set out to introduce her parents to SA cuisine for the first time, and the full spread she prepared left Mzansi seriously impressed.
• Two lucky customers were among the first in the country to get a taste of a major fast-food chain's new loyalty perks.

Source: Briefly News