Celebrating Tofu Excellence: The 9th National Tofu Competition Awards

On November 2, 2023, the General Incorporated Foundation Japan Tofu Federation and the National Tofu Competition Management Committee held the award ceremony for the 2025 National Tofu Competition in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. This year's event, held alongside the 13th Japan Tofu Association Summit, brought together 415 attendees, including guests from across the country, tofu manufacturers, and industry-related organizations.

The foundation's objective is to elevate Japan's tofu manufacturing techniques, ensuring that exceptional products are showcased while enhancing the overall quality and value of tofu in the industry. Tofu, a staple food in Japan, is gaining renewed attention domestically and internationally due to its high-quality plant-based protein source and nutritional benefits.

This year's competition awarded several honors, including the prestigious Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister's Award, marking a significant achievement for the recipients. The awardee, Hiroshi Okubo, representative of Tofu Factory Yu, expressed great honor in receiving this award a record third time, reflecting his commitment to tofu manufacturing excellence despite challenges such as climate change and rising costs. He extended sincere gratitude to customers and partners for their continuous support and acknowledged that this achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of farmers, employees, and suppliers.

Okubo shared his philosophy in tofu production, stating that they perceive soybeans as “living beings”, emphasizing an intuitive approach that focuses on the best conditions for processing according to the day’s quality. He believes that each tofu block served represents a unique experience, fostering connections with customers. With this award, Okubo's goal is to promote the allure of Japanese tofu globally, showcasing its appeal beyond Japan.

Judging Process

The evaluation for this year’s competition took place on September 6, 2023, at the Tokyo-based venue. Tofu products were assessed through a blind judging system across four categories: firm tofu, silky tofu, yuzu tofu, and filled tofu. The judging committee evaluated each product based on taste, aroma, aftertaste, texture, and overall impression, ensuring fairness and thoroughness in selecting the top contenders. This year’s panel included prominent figures, including Seiko Hashimoto, chairperson of the judging committee.

Event Overview

- Final Selection Date: September 6, 2023
- Award Ceremony: November 2, 2023
- Location for Judging: Tokyo, Ueno Park
- Location for Awards: Takamatsu International Hotel, Kagawa Prefecture

The event was organized by the Japan Tofu Federation, with sponsorship from several agricultural and food industry organizations. A total of 68 manufacturers submitted 107 tofu products for consideration, demonstrating the high level of competition and the rich variety of tofu available in Japan.

About Japan Tofu Federation

With a history dating back to the Nara period when tofu was introduced to Japan, the Japan Tofu Federation has been a pillar in promoting tofu culture and supporting manufacturers over the last 80 years. Tofu remains an integral part of the Japanese diet and culture, evolving in its production and offerings. However, its accessibility has led to a significant decrease in awareness regarding the differences in quality and variety among products. The federation aims to bridge this gap through educational initiatives and public promotion of tofu, affirming its position as a versatile and cherished food item.

For more information about the Japan Tofu Federation and the competition, visit their website at Japan Tofu Federation.