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Cookpad Food Trend Awards 2025: Celebrating Culinary Innovators

On November 26, 2025, Cookpad Inc., Japan's leading recipe service, held the inaugural Cookpad Food Trend Awards 2025 to honor significant contributors to the evolution of home cooking culture. The ceremony introduced a new category called 'This Year's Faces,' recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions in shaping food trends in Japanese households.

Honoring Pioneers in Japanese Cuisine

The first winner of this award, along with a special prize recipient, was selected based on their impact on home cooking trends. The awards focus on innovation and adaptability, reflecting the changing dynamics of Japanese culinary practices.

Hidenori Ishigami: The Spice Innovator

Hidenori Ishigami, the founder of the popular herbal soup spring roll specialty store 'Shihchuan Mala Tang,' has played a pivotal role in introducing the trend of 'Mala Tang' to the Japanese food scene. Known for its unique flavor profile, including the numbing sensation of Sichuan pepper, Ishigami has successfully expanded this trend beyond the youth demographic, influencing the culinary habits of all age groups.

Since his introduction to 'Mala Tang' in 2005 and the launch of his first location in 2007, he has dedicated 19 years to solidifying this dish as a staple in Japanese cuisine. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that this isn't just a fleeting trend, asserting, 'I will continue contributing to making this a lasting part of Japanese food culture.'

Akari Hasegawa: Chef Reimagining Cooking Experiences

The second honoree, Akari Hasegawa, a culinary expert and nutritionist, gained mainstream popularity with her creation 'Butter-Simmered Hamburgers,' which amassed over 220 million impressions on social media. Hasegawa has foresightedly responded to the return of simple cooking by emphasizing the value of cooking as an experience. She prioritizes conveying a 'lifestyle with cooking' rather than merely proliferating recipes.

In her acceptance speech, Hasegawa reflected on the changing trends in home cooking, questioning, 'What is the value of cooking for oneself in the Reiwa era?' She has effectively intertwined concepts of self-care and empowerment, leading many to appreciate the therapeutic benefits of cooking while continuously updating traditional ideas within modern contexts.

Riyoko: Bringing Healing Through Cooking

Culinary creator Riyoko emerged as a front-runner in the 'One-Plate Steamer' phenomenon, which topped the award list. Through her engaging Instagram presence, she has showcased the ease of using a steamer, presenting it as a tool for 'fail-proof cooking.' With benefits such as no burning, no temperature management, and the possibility of cooking without a timer, Riyoko's approach has relieved those with kitchen anxiety.

During her speech, she delightedly revealed her humble beginnings, admitting she had little experience cooking before embarking on her culinary journey, heavily relying on Cookpad's recipes. Now honored as one of the 'faces of the year,' she aims to spread the joy of home cooking even further, celebrating the newfound popularity of steaming.

Yocchi: Championing Delicious Budget Cooking

A special award was presented to Yocchi, who proposed a novel culinary culture of 'delicious savings.' In a time marked by rising food prices in 2025, she highlighted the concept of 'filler cooking' using staple ingredients such as bean sprouts, potatoes, and cabbage. By focusing on creating satisfying recipes within limited budgets, Yocchi effectively addressed contemporary challenges in food affordability.

As a mother of three and a childcare worker, Yocchi’s experiences reflect her passion for supporting families facing dietary restrictions and financial constraints. Celebrating her long-awaited recipe book release this year, she intends to continue 'filling lives with joy' through her creative culinary solutions.

Looking Ahead to New Culinary Horizons

The achievements of the four recipients of the 'This Year's Faces' awards illustrate a vibrant transformation in Japan's home cooking culture. Through their innovative use of social media and digital platforms, they have catalyzed a cultural shift, embedding new culinary values in Japanese households.

The enthusiasm expressed by each award recipient resonates with a commitment to imparting the joys of cooking to future generations, and expectations are high for the continued development of this dynamic culinary landscape.

Community Engagement: Cookpad's Future Initiatives

In 2026, Cookpad will launch an evolved version of its 'Recipe-less Cooking Class,' nurturing a community for those with an intense passion for culinary exploration. Featuring sessions with established chefs and award recipients, participants will have opportunities to share and learn from each other, fostering connections and collaborative experiences.

Cookpad's mission remains clear: to enhance the joy of cooking globally through technology and community synergy. With the foundation laid by this year's honorees, the future of Japanese home cooking appears promising and laden with potential.