World-renowned chefs of Japanese cuisine
Introducing chefs specializing in Japanese cuisine around the world
The Minister's Awards for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has awarded persons who have made outstanding contributions to the introduction and spread of Japanese cuisine, Japanese food and other Japanese agricultural and fishery products overseas.
Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador
Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador
55 domestic and 149 overseas as of January 2023
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) appoints Japanese culinary professionals who help spread Japanese food and food culture both at home and abroad by providing advice to those involved in Japanese cuisine overseas as “Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassadors.”
Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador will transmit the allure of Japanese food and food culture in more familiar and broader ways through a range of media sources and events.
Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries
Through developing foreign chefs of Japanese cuisine who possess appropriate knowledge and skills related to Japanese cuisine, the brand strength of Japanese cuisine and food culture will be strengthened and the use of Japanese agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food products will be expanded.
Gold
Silver
Bronze
As of March 31, 2023, a total of 2944 persons have been certified, with 23 for Gold, 1079 for Silver, and 1842 for Bronze.
Washoku World Challenge
“Washoku World Challenge” is a Japanese cooking contest sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries aimed at overseas chefs who are greatly interested in Japanese cuisine and are daily committed to improving their knowledge and skills.
The contest has been held 11 times so far as of FY2023, with the fifth contest onward introduced here on this page.