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Bocuse d'Or National Finals 2026

The quest for culinary excellence in Japan is reaching its climax as the national finals for the renowned Bocuse d'Or event are set to occur on January 9, 2026, at Tsuji Culinary Institute in Tokyo. This competition serves as the ultimate gateway for chefs aiming to represent Japan on the world stage at the Bocuse d'Or finals in Lyon, France, in January 2029.

Overview of the Competition

The national finals will feature three talented chefs who triumphed in nationwide qualifiers, alongside a seeded competitor who boasts a formidable record from previous tournaments. The contestants include:

• - Masakazu Tsuchiya (Waldorf Astoria Osaka)
• - Yoshiki Shono (Ina Foods Co., Ltd.)
• - Ryo Horiuchi (Le Jardin)

In this high-stakes contest, chefs will showcase their skills in an intense environment, where culinary techniques, taste, presentation, and creativity will be meticulously evaluated. Participants will have limited time to pour their passion and culinary artistry into a single plate, reflecting their unique culinary heritage and innovation.

Judging will be conducted by a panel composed of top chefs who will provide a rigorous critique of each dish. The victor will earn the honor of representing Japan at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition in Lyon, amplifying the nation’s culinary reputation on an international scale.

Schedule for the Day

The event will follow a carefully structured timeline:

• - 9:30 AM - First chef begins preparation
• - 10:10 AM - Second chef begins preparation
• - 10:50 AM - Third chef begins preparation
• - 11:50 AM - First chef begins finishing and plating
• - 12:30 PM - Second chef begins finishing and plating
• - 12:40 PM - First chef's tasting evaluation
• - 1:10 PM - Third chef begins finishing and plating
• - 1:20 PM - Second chef's tasting evaluation
• - 2:00 PM - Third chef's tasting evaluation
• - 4:10 PM - Results Announcement and Award Ceremony

Judges and Tasting Panel

The tasting panel will include esteemed culinary figures, with the honorary judge being Ryuya Kainuma, the representative for Japan in 2025. Other notable judges will include:

• - Yoshiki Tsuji (President of Bocuse d'Or Japan)
• - Kenichiro Sekiya (France's National Craftsman Award, Joël Robuchon)
• - Kotaro Hasegawa (Japanese representative in 2007 and 2017)

Special awards will also be presented, including one from Murakami Farm, Tottori Prefecture.

The Role of Bocuse d'Or Japan

The Bocuse d'Or Japan organization is dedicated to nurturing Japanese chefs and promoting culinary excellence. By supporting Japan's participation in this biannual culinary competition, they aim to enhance the nation's gastronomic skills and elevate Japan’s culinary arts on a global platform. The organization is committed to encouraging chefs to challenge themselves continually, reflecting a passion that has the potential to shape the future of Japan’s food culture.

As the first step towards taking Japan's culinary talents to the world, the national finals hold great significance, not only for participants but for the culinary community as a whole.