#Japan #Tokyo #Frozen Food #Local Food Awards #Hashimoto Akira

Local Frozen Food Awards 2025-2026: Judges Announced

The anticipation for the 2nd Annual Local Frozen Food Awards 2025-2026 is building, with exciting news about the judging panel. Noteworthy figures, including Hashimoto Akira, popularly known as Hashee, and Frozen Mom, are now officially part of the esteemed judges for this year's event. This brings the total number of judges to six, promising a rigorous and well-rounded evaluation process for the frozen food entries.

The judges' panel now includes:

• - Take Mura Dai
• - Momoyo Mayumi
• - Frozen Mom
• - Hashimoto Akira (Hashee)
• - Shibata Maki
• - Murata Akihiko

Background on the Judges

Take Mura Dai expressed optimism about the new judges joining the team. His extensive experience in the food industry, covering everything from frozen foods to direct dining experiences, lends credibility to the awards. Dai looks forward to integrating the unique insights of the new additions with the seasoned judgment of the returning judges. He emphasizes that the Local Frozen Food Awards are more than just a contest; they celebrate the rich tapestry of regional cuisine across Japan, encouraging diversity in food products.

What Are Local Frozen Foods?

Local frozen foods represent the heart of each region's culinary scene, comprising items like ready-made dishes, rice, noodles, and desserts crafted from local ingredients. The previous year's awards attracted 72 entries, culminating in an impressive showcase of culinary talent. The awards included one Grand Prix winner and four Gold Prize winners among a total of 17 recognized entries, generating significant media buzz and consumer interest. Notably, various celebrated frozen products made their way to consumers through platforms like Rakuten and the Ginza Matsuzakaya's Frozen Gourmet section, significantly enhancing their visibility.

With the successful outcome of last year's event, the awards are now gearing up to receive submissions starting September 11, 2025, with an informative session for participating businesses planned on October 23, 2025.

New Partner Companies Join the Awards

Further intensifying the event's excitement, three new partner companies have joined the 2025-2026 Local Frozen Food Awards:
1. Fukushima Galilee Co. – A manufacturer that provides essential technology such as rapid freezing systems for food establishments.
2. Technican Co. – Known for their swift freezing technique,