About the Washoku World Challenge

The “Washoku World Challenge” is a Japanese cuisine contest organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan for non-Japanese chefs who are deeply interested in Japanese cuisine and who are eager to improve their skills and knowledge.
For years, we used to organize regional qualifying tournaments overseas and then the final tournament in Tokyo for the chefs who successfully passed the regional tournaments.
However, last year, we were obliged to modify this policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In consideration of the safety of all participants, we decided to hold the contest online that was open to all non-Japanese chefs and culinary students who were interested in Japanese cuisine and food culture.

The theme of this year's Washoku World Challenge is “Goho‐Five methods" or, the five cooking methods of Japanese cuisine; “Nama” (cutting), “Niru” (simmering), “Yaku” (grilling), “Musu” (steaming), and “Ageru” (deep-frying). We hope and expect the participants to demonstrate to the world that refined Japanese cuisine, in its essence, is very good at bringing out the natural flavor and taste of the ingredients.

We look forward to receiving many applications!

* Due to the worldwide spread of infectious diseases, we have decided to cancel the final tournament in Tokyo.
As the result, we will offer the special online lessons by top Japanese chefs to the six finalists.

 Finalist Benefit 

Due to the worldwide spread of infectious diseases,
we have decided to cancel the final tournament in Tokyo.
As the result, we will offer the special online lessons
by top Japanese chefs to the six finalists.
More details will be posted on the official social media.

Judges

A Message from the Head Judge

This year, the Washoku World Challenge will be held in a different way. We are planning to hold the qualifying tournaments online and the final tournament in Tokyo.
As was the case last year, the competition is open not only for Japanese cuisine chefs but for chefs of all genres of cuisines as well as for culinary trainees.
This is the only international Japanese cuisine competition that the Government of Japan organizes. I hope you will establish a leading position as a Japanese cuisine chef by applying to and winning in this competition.
Because we are in a difficult time today, let's try harder to make dishes that make people smile towards a brighter future.
I look forward to receiving your applications and meeting you in Tokyo!

Head Judge
MURATA Yoshihiro
Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador
Owner & Chef of Kikunoi
Chairman of Japanese Culinary Academy
Video Message

Advices from the Deputy Head Judge

The theme of the Washoku World Challenge this year is “Goho”, the 5 basic cooking methods of Japanese cuisine.
We are planning to select 15 contestants by the document screening and 6 contestants by the video screening.
These 6 contestants will be invited to the final tournament in Tokyo to compete with others by demonstrating their cooking skills and techniques in front of the judges.
By applying to this contest, I am sure that you will be able to develop further your knowledge and techniques of Japanese cuisine. I also believe your challenge this time will be a turning point in your life.
There's no need for hesitation. We are waiting for your challenge.
Good luck!!

Deputy Head Judge
NAKATA Masahiro
Director of Taiwa Gakuen Inc.
Director of Taiwa Gakuen Hospitality Industry Development Center
Video Message

News

March 11, 2022
Highlights of the 9th Washoku World Challenge
February 28, 2022
The special online lessons by top Japanese chefs.
January 19, 2022
Cancellation of the Final Tournament
December 21, 2020
6 Finalists have been selected!
December 15, 2021
Announcement
December 1, 2021
Videos of 15 participants competing for the finalists have been released!
November 1, 2021
Release the videos on Japanese cuisine.
October 27, 2021
Document Screening event & Announcement of Results!
September 20, 2021
We closed applications, thank you very much for your participating.
August 20, 2021
Open for applications