#Japan #Marugame #Udon Festival #Sanuki Udon #Marathon Event

Discover the Essence of Sanuki Udon at the Marugame Udon Festival 2025

The Marugame Udon Festival 2025 promises to be a breathtaking celebration of Sanuki Udon, showcasing its rich history and modern twists. Scheduled for November 21-22, 2025, in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, this festival marks a milestone in the culinary arts, emphasizing the hands-on experience of making and enjoying handcrafted udon.

A Culinary Competition Like No Other

One of the highlights of the festival is the SANU-1 GRAND PRIX, where the best udon artisans from across Japan will compete. The event will feature seven finalists who have triumphed in the preliminary rounds held in Kagawa, Kanto, and Kansai regions. The anticipation for the final showdown is palpable, set to take place at the beautiful Marugame Castle Lawn on November 22. Each artisan will present their most inspired dish, embodying their dedication and passion for the craft.

* ### Meet the Contestants
- Entry No.1: Setohare from Kagawa, led by Koga, aims for the grand prize representing his home prefecture.
- Entry No.2: Udon Uemukuite from Osaka, with Takushima expressing gratitude for past support and commitment to presenting the ultimate bowl.
- Entry No.3: Udon Kuranosuke from Tokyo, with Ohyama eager to honor his mentor through his udon skills.
- Entry No.4: Sanuki Udon Iwai, also from Tokyo, where Iwai vows to deliver the best cutting experience with hand-sliced udon.
- Entry No.5: Menbun from Kagawa, with Ohto looking forward to a passionate competition.
- Entry No.6: Ensei from Fukuoka, with Iwasaka wanting to shine on the competition day.
- Entry No.7: Udon Kyutaro from Osaka, striving to elevate hand-made udon visibility.

The GRAND PRIX winner gets not only a trophy but genuine recognition of their skill, a cash prize, and guaranteed entry into next year's festivities.

Special Collaborations and Exclusive Dishes

In a fusion of tradition and creativity, the festival features once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between legendary udon shops. Two unique collaborations will unfold, emphasizing the bond between master and apprentice:

• - Jumbo Udon Takagi & Jun Teuchi Udon Yoshida will serve special Kamaage Udon, a dish usually not available from Yoshida, combining their signature broth with Takagi's famed noodles.
• - Teuchi Udon Marugame Watanabe & Teuchi Udon Taketora will produce a limited Kake Udon, enriched with flavors from both establishments.

These exclusive bowls will be available only during the festival, so attendees should arrive early to ensure they don’t miss out on these delicious dishes.

Hands-On Udon Making Experience

Experience the joy of making your own Sanuki Udon with expert guidance. Marugame Seimen is hosting a special udon-making workshop in collaboration with the renowned SIRAKAWA. Participants will get hands-on experience using top-quality flour, learning to craft their noodles from scratch and savoring them in a freshly made bowl of Kake Udon.

This unique opportunity will only occur on November 22 and will require pre-registration via the event’s special website, as spaces are limited.

Compete in the Udon Eating Contest

Aside from udon artisans, the festival will also honor udon enthusiasts with the Marugame Udon Eating Contest, awarding prizes to those who can eat the most udon in a joyful, fun atmosphere. The prizes range from exclusive vouchers to a trip to Hawaii for the grand winner.

This inclusive approach highlights the spirit of community and enthusiasm surrounding Sanuki Udon culture, inviting everyone to partake.

A Celebration of Tradition and Community

The festival is a culmination of over a decade of collaboration between Kagawa's local government and Marugame Seimen, aiming to promote regional culture and engage the public in the rich heritage of udon making. Since the initiation of the cultural ambassador program in 2011, the love for udon has deepened both locally and internationally.

With over 20 different events and activities set across five areas, the Marugame Udon Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience to all udon lovers.

Event Details:

• - Dates: November 21, 13:00 - 20:00, and November 22, 10:00 - 20:00, 2025.
• - Location: Various sites in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture.
• - Hosted by: Marugame City, Toridoll Holdings Co., and Marugame Seimen.

Join us in this celebration of flavors and tradition that ensures the future of Sanuki Udon is bright! Further details and updates can be followed through the festival’s official website and social media channels.