#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Culture #Sushi Academy #Unipotential

High School Sushi Chef Challenge: A Taste of Japanese Culture

From July 27 to August 6, 2026, high school students from Masanokusei Gakuen High School in Tokyo will engage in an exciting workplace experience at the sushi restaurant "Yurakucho Kakida" run by Unipotential. This initiative, known as the High School Sushi Chef Challenge, goes beyond standard workplace observation, providing students with a unique opportunity to work as officially recognized part-time employees.

Participants will delve into the dynamic restaurant environment, learning various aspects of the operation, including front-of-house service and sushi preparation. The program culminates on August 6 with a special event where students will showcase their newly acquired skills by presenting sushi they personally crafted to their parents.

This initiative aims not only to enrich high school students' career education but also to serve as a platform for promoting Japanese culture globally, fostering the next generation of talents who can contribute to Japan's foreign exchange earnings.

Key Highlights of the Program

• - Hands-On Experience: Students work directly in a restaurant, gaining real-world experience as part of a legitimate school-sanctioned part-time job.
• - Sushi Academy Instruction: The unique teaching methodology at Yurakucho Kakida enables individuals with no prior experience to learn sushi-making techniques efficiently and effectively.
• - International Exposure: With a significant proportion of foreign customers (around 70-80%), students will have the opportunity to share their culture and experiences directly with international guests.
• - Showcase Event: On the final day, parents are invited to enjoy the sushi prepared by their children, allowing students to demonstrate their week of learning.
• - Parental Perspectives: Interviews with parents will provide insight into the program's significance from a family perspective.

Why Can High School Students Master Sushi in Just a Week?

Yurakucho Kakida's head chef began his career without any formal training, establishing the "Sushi Academy" based on his own experiences. This innovative academy has tailored its teaching methods to promote swift mastery of the essential sushi-making skills through proper techniques and repetitive practice. As a result, even those with zero experience can produce quality sushi after just five days.

The High School Sushi Chef Challenge is a direct manifestation of these pedagogical principles, showcasing that dedication and structured training can yield impressive results in a short period.

Empowering Students to Share Japanese Culture

At Yurakucho Kakida, the majority of patrons are foreign visitors. Participants will learn how to convey the nuances of Japanese food culture and hospitality to an international audience. Given the increasing globalization and the rising importance of competing in the world market, providing high school students with the chance to promote their culture while simultaneously honing their business acumen is invaluable for future workforce training. One participant shared, "I find it exciting to talk to people from all over the world. Speaking English can be challenging, but I am glad to communicate with them."

Program Details

• - Program Name: High School Sushi Chef Challenge (Masanokusei Gakuen High School x Yurakucho Kakida)
• - Format: Workplace Experience & School-Approved Part-Time Job
• - Number of Participants: 4 students from Masanokusei Gakuen High School
• - Duration: July 27 - August 6, 2026
• - Main Coverage Date: August 6, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 (Parents' showcase event)
• - Media Coverage Options: Students crafting sushi, customer service interactions, student interviews, and parental perspectives. (Please indicate interest in commentary from restaurant representatives.)
• - Location: Yurakucho Kakida, Tokyo

Address: 19F, Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower, 2-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, 151-8583

Final Day Showcase Event

On August 6, from 14:00 to 16:00, parents will be invited to taste sushi prepared by their children. This closing event will not only feature sushi demonstrations but also interviews with parents discussing the program's benefits and their children's growth during this unique experience.

Student Comments

• - Tadashige: “I have wanted to make sushi since I was young; cooking has been a passion of mine for 10 years.”
• - Aoki: “I enjoy cooking, but I’ve never made sushi before—it feels like a valuable experience.”
• - Kageyama: “I plan to pursue a career in biology, but this experience is important to me.”
• - Haruhara: “I have experience interacting with international individuals through cooking and volunteer work, which I believe will help in my future career decisions.”

This week-long sushi challenge offers students a unique opportunity to learn and experience the art of sushi-making first-hand, while connecting with their cultural heritage and gaining essential skills for the global market. We invite you to witness their journey and taste the sushi crafted by these aspiring chefs!

Restaurant Perspective

"Here at our flagship store in Tokyo, approximately 70-80% of our clientele are foreign guests. This dynamic environment allows students, even those who may not be fluent in English, to communicate through gestures and creativity, making it a rich learning experience" (Yurakucho Kakida).

Company and School Information

• - Company Name: Unipotential Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 1-11-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, 4th Floor, Frontier Yoyogi
• - Representative: CEO Kaki-ta Kazuhiro
• - Business: Management of sushi restaurants including "Yurakucho Kakida" and recruitment services
• - Website: Kakida Sushi

• - School Name: Masanokusei Gakuen High School
• - Location: 3-1-15 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo.