#Japan #Chiba #BosoWildGame #ChibaPrefecture #SustainableCooking

Introduction to the Boso Wild Game Contest

Chiba Prefecture, under the slogan "Let's Protect Chiba's Satoyama through Eating," invites participants for the 8th Boso Wild Game Contest focused on processed food products. This event aims to promote local wild game, with a concurrent Boso Wild Game Fair scheduled for 2026, featuring a variety of dishes made with Boso wild game by local restaurants.

Contest Details

The contest encourages entries from food manufacturers, restaurants—including hotels and food trucks—and culinary school students. Submissions are welcome for processed products that utilize Boso wild game, such as retort pouches, as well as dishes that might not yet be commercially available.

Submission Evaluation Process

• - Document Screening: Scheduled for mid-January 2026, the preliminary review will choose five finalists based on set criteria.
• - Tasting Judging: The final assessment will occur on February 1, 2026, where the five selected participants will present their dishes, complete with cooking, serving, and presentations. The top entries will win a Grand Prize and an Excellence Award.

The tasting venue will be at the KeiyoGAS Community Terrace in Ichikawa City, a short walk from JR Motoyawata Station.

Important Dates and Application Process

• - Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
• - Application Process: Interested participants can apply through the dedicated Boso Wild Game website using the contest entry form.

Awards and Prizes

Winners of the Grand Prize and Excellence Award will receive a crystal trophy, while all five finalists will receive additional prizes. The winning products will gain exposure through various media, including the Chiba Prefecture homepage and official social media channels. Furthermore, for products already available or ready for sale, support for marketing and public relations will be provided.

Judge Information

The contest will be judged by Takuto Murota, the head chef and owner of "LATURE" in Shibuya, Tokyo, which received one Michelin star within a year of its opening. Mr. Murota is also active in initiatives promoting food education and sustainability in Japanese gastronomy.

Boso Wild Game Fair 2026

Alongside the contest, the Boso Wild Game Fair will be running from February 1 to March 3, 2026. The objective of the fair is to extend the reach of Boso wild game, encouraging restaurants and retail stores both locally and away from Chiba to feature dishes using Boso wild game.

Participation Requirements

• - Participating Venues: Restaurants, including mobile units like food trucks, and retail outlets such as roadside stations and supermarkets can participate.
• - Cost: Participation is free; however, costs for food ingredients during the fair will be the responsibility of the participants.

Fair Activities

• - Venues must offer dishes featuring Boso wild game (wild boar and deer) during the fair period.
• - Purchasing over 1,000 yen worth of Boso dishes will enter customers into a promotional raffle for prizes, while various marketing materials will be supplied to assist participants in their self-promotion.

Wild Game Management and Sustainable Practices in Chiba

Chiba is home to numerous wild animals that unfortunately cause significant damage to agricultural lands. In the fiscal year of 2024, the damage cost was approximately 360 million yen, predominantly attributed to wild boars. Many captured animals go unused despite their potential as food. The prefecture is dedicated to promoting processed Boso wild game in accordance with hygiene management guidelines to combat wildlife damage, using these scenarios to creatively contribute to sustainability goals.

Contact for Inquiries

For questions regarding the application process, please reach out to the Boso Wild Game PR office via the contact form or email [email protected]. The event is hosted by the Chiba Prefectural Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Division of Agricultural Land and Rural Development.