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