#Japan #Chiba #Sweets Koshien #Kai Corporation #Noda Kamada Gakuen

Celebrating Young Culinary Talents at the 18th Sweets Koshien

On September 15, 2025, Japan saw a delightful showcase of culinary talent at the 18th Sweets Koshien, a prestigious competition that determines the best high school pastry chefs in the country. Hosted by the Sankei Shimbun and supported by KAI Corporation, a global knife manufacturer, this event encourages students to explore their culinary creativity and skills. This year, the cheerful team 'plaisir' from the Noda Kamada Gakuen High School in Chiba Prefecture triumphed, winning the honored KAI Award.

Event Overview

The Sweets Koshien, which began in 2008, aims to enhance understanding of food culture and provide a platform for aspiring pastry chefs. It serves to enrich students' experiences and ultimately contribute to the future of culinary arts in Japan. This year's competition revolved around the theme of 'Wedding Cakes,' inviting participants to create original recipes embodying the celebratory spirit of weddings without specific ingredient restrictions. Following regional knockout rounds, six schools advanced to the finals held live on YouTube, showcasing their extraordinary creations.

The competition emphasized not only creativity but also skill in using tools responsibly, which led to Noda Kamada Gakuen receiving the KAI Award during the finals. This award allows the winning team access to collaborate on recipe development at the Kitchen Stage, a culinary spot managed by KAI at the Isetan Shinjuku main store.

A Cupcake Affair

As part of the competition, students crafted intricate wedding cakes, each reflecting their unique vision while adhering to the theme. The final event was graced by accomplished chefs Nobuyuki Nagai and Toshihiko Yoritsuka, who served as judges. Alongside the KAI Award winner, the Éclat Fière team from the Hyogo Prefectural Cooking School was honored with the Minister of Education Award, showcasing the diverse talent pool among Japan’s youth.

Kitchen Stage: A Culinary Playground

Located in the underground level of the Isetan Shinjuku, the Kitchen Stage has been a vibrant hub for food enthusiasts since its opening in 2007. KAI Corporation took over operations in 2012, often featuring recipes crafted by renowned chefs and culinary researchers. This initiative allows everyday cooks to replicate professional dishes at home by providing essential tips and insights into the ingredients and tools used in the recipes.

The venue operates from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM (last order at 7:00 PM), encouraging culinary explorations in an inviting atmosphere. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, Kitchen Stage awaits food lovers keen on enhancing their gastronomic skills.

KAI Corporation and Its Legacy

Founded in 1908 in the well-known knife-making city of Seki, Gifu Prefecture, KAI Corporation has flourished globally with an extensive product lineup, including grooming tools, kitchen implements, and medical instruments. Their commitment ranges from product design and development to manufacturing, sales, and logistics, producing around 10,000 items that cater to daily life needs. President and COO Hiroaki Endo continues to advocate for quality craftsmanship at the heart of the company.

For inquiries regarding this event or KAI Corporation’s products, interested readers can contact the KAI customer service center in Tokyo at 0120-016-410 or visit their official website: KAI Corporation.