Nationwide Search for the Best Zouni Recipes Begins – Epirecipe 2025

A Nationwide Celebration of Zouni: Epirecipe's 2025 Contest

The Epirecipe contest, launched by NAVYPOOL, based in Chuo, Tokyo, invites submissions for zouni—Japan's beloved new year soup beginning October 24th, 2025. The competition aims to preserve and celebrate the various regional flavors and traditions of this iconic dish, which holds deep cultural significance throughout the country.

The Rich Culinary Heritage of Zouni

In Japan, zouni is more than just a dish; it epitomizes the essence of local culture and familial traditions. Variations abound across the country: Kanto's square rice cakes swimming in soy-based broth, Kansai's round rice cakes in a white miso soup, and Fukuoka's zouni featuring yellowtail are just a few examples. This diversity reflects the rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.

However, as the structure of families shifts toward smaller units and modern lifestyles, these culinary customs face the risk of fading into oblivion. Epirecipe seeks to combat this loss with its motto, “A Dish of Memories to Pass Down to the Future.” By documenting and sharing stories related to the art of cooking, we aim to revive the vibrant regional food culture reminiscent of past eras and preserve it as a digital archive for future generations.

How to Participate

We invite everyone to share their cherished memories and unique family recipes for zouni. This can include:

- The special ingredients that make your zouni unique
- Instructions for making your cherished version of zouni
- A photo of your completed dish (smartphone shots are acceptable)
- Personal anecdotes about your connections to zouni—be it a family tradition, tales from beloved grandparents, or secret tips passed down through the years.

Eligibility and Submission

To participate, simply register as a member on the Epirecipe website, which is free for both casual and premium subscribers. Submissions will be made through a dedicated entry form located within the official Epirecipe site:
Epirecipe Zouni Contest Submission

Prizes for Participants

As a token of appreciation, 50 participants will be randomly selected to receive a 1,000 yen Amazon gift card.

Timeline

- Submission Opens: October 24, 2025
- Submission Deadline: November 21, 2025
- Results Announcement: December 19, 2025 (announced on the website)
- Recipe Publication: As they are selected, recipes will be featured on the site

About Epirecipe

Epirecipe is committed to preserving and sharing culinary stories and skills with the aim of creating a record of these vital traditions. In 2025, we will also launch an English version of the site, EPIRECIPE, to showcase Japanese culinary culture to a global audience.