#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Cuisine #Naoko Oi #Gourmand Award

The Global Triumph of Japanese Vegetable Cuisine

On November 29, 2025, a glittering award ceremony took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, drawing authors and publishers from around the globe. Among them, Naoko Oi, a talented Japanese chef, was honored for her remarkable cookbook titled "Party Recipes with Vegetables." This book triumphed by winning the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in the Vegetarian category, taking the first place globally in its debut entry. It is astonishing that this achievement marked her very first attempt in the competition. The delicate beauty of Japanese vegetable cuisine, coupled with its practicality and simplicity, resonated profoundly with the judges from around the world.

Book Information

The book is currently available on Amazon and various online bookstores.

• - Title: Party Recipes with Vegetables — Glorious, Easy, Healthy Dishes with Everyday Ingredients!
• - Author: Naoko Oi (ASAHIYA)
• - Publisher: Asahiya Publishing
• - ISBN: 978-4-7511-1539-8
• - Price: 2,420 yen (tax included)
• - Available at: Bookstores nationwide, Amazon, and other online platforms.

Understanding the Significance of Winning a World Cookbook Award

Winning this prestigious accolade is indeed a significant milestone, especially for a first-time entrant like Oi. The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards serves as the pinnacle of recognition for culinary authors around the world, often referred to as the "Academy Awards of Cookbooks." Established in 1995 by Édouard Cointreau, the award has garnered a wealth of history over three decades, showcasing culinary literature from all corners of the globe and holding esteemed partnerships with organizations such as UNESCO and UNICEF.

In its 31st ceremony, an astounding 221 countries participated, with the competition drawing high-profile judges. Only a single book from a maximum of six finalists in each category was awarded the coveted title. Naoko Oi now joins the ranks of esteemed culinary figures such as Harumi Kurihara and Chef Masayuki Okuda, who have all gained recognition from this influential platform. Her victory opens doors for her future endeavors in the culinary world, enhancing expectations from enthusiasts and critics alike.

Three Major Milestones of This Award

1. Winning World’s Best on First Attempt

Winning such a prestigious award on the first try is a miracle comparable to winning a gold medal at the Olympics during debut participation. The universal appeal of Oi's book crosses language and cultural barriers, evident in its overwhelming quality.

2. Japanese Vegetable Cuisine Creates Global Standards

Oi's book harmonizes Japan's delicate sense of beauty, seasonal ingredients, and the art of hospitality with contemporary party themes, impressing judges from 221 countries. This win marks the beginning of Japanese vegetable cuisine becoming a global standard.

3. Paving the Future for Plant-Based Dining

Amid the rising global trend of vegetarianism and plant-based diets, this recognition of Japanese vegetable cuisine on an international platform amplifies its significance beyond culinary success. It suggests a promising path for Japanese food culture to lead in the future of global nutrition.

Transform Your Vegetable Cooking with This Book

Opening the pages of "Party Recipes with Vegetables" reveals a feast for the eyes, where colorful vegetables shine like jewels. The book is laid out beautifully like a photo collection, showcasing the artistic flair of food. The vibrant reds of tomatoes, greens of cucumbers, and yellows of peppers all paint a picture of natural color that elevates your dining experience.

• - Ease of Recreating Dishes: No special ingredients or professional skills are required; you can create stunning dishes using vegetables from your supermarket and basic seasonings found at home. Experience the joy of creating extraordinary meals with effortless recipes.
• - Satisfaction Guaranteed: Featuring 102 innovative recipes, this extensive collection ensures that even a vegetable-centric meal will be fulfilling, balancing satisfaction with beauty.
• - Versatile for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a home party, a special dinner, or a weekday bustling meal, these recipes cater to all scenarios. This book becomes a lifelong guide.

Naoko Oi hopes this book reveals the endless possibilities of vegetables, bringing joy and richness to everyone's dining tables.

A Message from Author Naoko Oi

Receiving news of this award left me in utter disbelief. To have my book chosen among so many extraordinary publications globally during my first attempt fills me with immense gratitude. It’s a testament that the thoughts poured into this book transcended barriers of language and culture. I sincerely appreciate everyone who supported me, from my publishers at Asahiya to my friends who assisted throughout the creative process. This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who helped along the journey.

Vegetables possess limitless potential in terms of color, shape, texture, and taste, enriching our lives in myriad ways. I hope that through this book, more individuals can experience the enjoyment, beauty, and deliciousness of vegetable-centric meals. May it bring vibrant colors to your gatherings and spread the splendor of Japanese vegetable cuisine worldwide.

Remember, this achievement is not the endpoint but rather the remarkable beginning of a story where Japanese vegetable cuisine transforms the world!

Where to Buy the Book

• - Amazon - Party Recipes with Vegetables
• - Available at bookstores nationwide.

Contact Information

• - For inquiries regarding the book: Asahiya Publishing Co., Ltd.
• - For press-related inquiries: Nao's Style, Naoko Oi - [email protected]

References

• - Gourmand World Cookbook Awards Official Site
• - 31st Gourmand World Cookbook Awards Ceremony: November 27-30, 2025 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
• - Participating Countries and Entities: 221 Countries, 15 International Organizations (including UNESCO, UNICEF, FAO)
• - Amazon Book Sales Site

Note: The above information is accurate as of January 2026.