Japan Organizes Washoku Chef’s World Championship to Promote Japanese Cuisine

The "Washoku World Challenge" was organized with the support of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in order to promote and export Japanese cuisine to other countries.

"The chefs here today are well-versed in Japanese cuisine. "I believe it is critical to maintain and expand the appeal of Japanese cuisine while working hard with chefs from around the world," said Takaaki Katsumata, Japan's State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

This year's competition theme was "Dashi," which literally translates to the broth. Dashi, or broth, is a key ingredient in enhancing the flavour of Japanese dishes. Contestants have prepared five serving appetizers to be cooked on traditional Japanese eight-inch plates for the final competition.

It takes 120 minutes to cook. The judges evaluated the taste of the Dashi as well as the presentation of the dishes. "Jakub Horak" from the Czech Republic is the winner. The appetizer he prepared was praised for its balance, cooking time distribution, and use of Czech ingredients.

"I'm really surprised I won this competition because I applied for the first time. So, it comes as a surprise to me. And I'm pretty young for it, so I'll do my best in the coming years by touring, uh, Japanese culture and good food," said Czech Republic Chef Jakub Horak.

"I'd like you to serve and introduce Japanese food to the locals at the restaurant where you work every day. I hope that many people become interested in Japan and Japanese cuisine. For example, it would be great if many people would visit Japan inbound, buy some Japanese ingredients at a retail store, and try to cook them at home, thereby contributing to the development of Japanese cuisine," said Masashi Ito of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

When these chefs return to their home countries, they will introduce Washoku, which will help spread the glory of Japanese cuisine.