#Japan #Tokyo #school lunch #Celebrity Chefs #NITOBE

An Exclusive Event to Celebrate the Launch of 'Nitobe's School Lunch'

On July 4, 2026, a special press-only event will be held, offering a unique, one-day menu to celebrate the release of the book "Let's Create the World’s Best School Lunch: Nitobe's School Lunch to Make!". This event, hosted by the Nitobe Cultural Academy in Nakano City, Tokyo, will feature esteemed celebrity chefs who will share their culinary expertise and insights behind the delicious recipes developed for the school lunch program.

The Nitobe Cultural Academy, which promotes the idea of improving school lunches, has collaborated with the Japan Food Society since February 2022. Together, they have brought together 12 famous chefs to co-create recipes that elevate the quality and taste of school meals, which are affectionately known as Nitobe's School Lunch. The event will give the press an exclusive opportunity to taste these new recipes while interacting with the chefs.

About the Event

This one-of-a-kind press event will be an exclusive gathering for just 30 media representatives, featuring a gourmet school lunch developed in collaboration with star chefs. The event will take place at the 東高円寺 campus of the Nitobe Cultural Academy from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on July 4, 2026. Participants will have the chance to enjoy Nitobe's School Lunch crafted by the chefs and nutritional experts, aiming for a delightful culinary experience while learning about the creative processes behind the recipes.

The following celebrity chefs are anticipated to join the event:

• - Kazutaka Inoue (Szechwan Restaurant Chen)
• - Naoyuki Yanagihara (Kincha-ryu Yanagihara Cooking Class)
• - Ryohei Hayashi (Japanese Cuisine Tenoshima)
• - Yoshifumi Ozawa (Wakiya)
• - Ryuichi Takano (Sushi Tama Kagari / Tempura Tamai)
• - Shankar Noguchi (Indo-American Trading Company)
• - Haruki Kawakami (Casa di Camino)
• - Kizuo Nonaka (Nihonbashi Yukari)
• - Daisuke Nomura (Shojin Souko)
• - Takayuki Fukuda (Kioicho Fukuda)

During the event, chefs will share their passions and thoughts about the meals they've helped create, engaging attendees with informative discussions. Chefs will also hold a brief press opportunity where members of the media can ask questions and gain further insights into the recipes.

How to Register

Attendance is free but limited to the first 30 media outlets that apply. To secure a spot, media representatives must RSVP in advance due to the limited capacity. On the day of the event, participants are requested to check in at the main entrance and follow the guidelines outlined for a smooth entry. Note that photography of children attending the event will not be allowed, and all press inquiries must be directed to the academy's public relations office.

For enquiries, please contact:

• - Nitobe Cultural Academy, Public Relations Office (Suzuki / Nakano)
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: 03--3381-0196

This exclusive event marks a significant milestone not only for the academy but for the future of school lunches in Japan, showcasing a collective effort aimed at providing better nutrition and taste for students.

About the Book

The book "Let's Create the World’s Best School Lunch" was published in May 2026, illustrating the exceptional recipes designed by world-renowned chefs. This collection aims to enhance school lunches across Japan, bringing innovation to the standard offerings. Readers can find many easy-to-follow recipes designed for home cooking that reflect the preferences of students at the Nitobe Cultural Academy.

Conclusion

This impressive initiative not only aims to create delicious school lunches but also to draw attention to the importance of nutritious food for children. Through this collaboration, the Nitobe Cultural Academy and the Japan Food Society endeavor to pave the way for enhanced educational experiences, fostering a culture of appreciation for quality food.

Join us for this unique celebration of food, education, and creativity, and witness firsthand the culinary talent of today’s top chefs!