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Exciting Announcement: The Second Japan's Local Frozen Food Awards 2025-2026

The anticipation is building as the Japan's Local Frozen Food Awards returns for its second edition! Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the Future Dining Association, led by Masaru Yamada, is set to shine a spotlight on regional foods, delivering them frozen to consumers nationwide.

What Are Local Frozen Foods?

Local frozen foods refer to environmentally conscious processed frozen items that encapsulate regional ingredients, recipes, and culinary traditions. The various products include prepared dishes, rice, noodles, and desserts that capture the heart of local gastronomy. In its first edition, the awards featured 72 local frozen food items from all over Japan, leading to the selection of 17 celebrated products, including one grand prize and four gold award winners.

The success of the inaugural awards generated significant media buzz, with highlights in television and online platforms, allowing consumers to access diverse local flavors through outlets like the Matsuya Ginza Frozen Gourmet section and Rakuten's online supermarket. Encouraged by the positive response, the awards are gearing up for the next round, with an entry information session set to kick off on September 11.

A Word from Takemura Dai, Award Organizer and Judge

Takemura Dai, a frozen food master, expressed his enthusiasm, sharing:

“We earnestly await your passionate participation! Thanks to your overwhelming support, we can continue this event and unveil even more exceptional local frozen foods. Each product embodies the passion of its creators, and my mission is to share their stories with as many people as possible.”

He emphasized that the awards serve as a festival to unearth and promote Japan's delightful frozen foods, aiming for an event that surpasses last year's dynamic atmosphere. This year, Takemura pledges to attract entries from all 47 prefectures, and he looks forward to discovering new local frozen delights.

Event Details

The Second Japan's Local Frozen Food Awards 2025-2026 event will include the following key details:

• - Entry period: September 11, 2025 - November 30, 2025
• - Results announcement and award ceremony: January 22, 2026
• - Entry instructions: Interested manufacturers can apply through the official website. Preliminary document review is free, while there will be an entry fee of 30,000 yen (excluding tax) after passing the document examination, along with the submission of products.

For more information and to enter, please visit: Japan's Local Frozen Food Awards Official Site

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must submit products intended for general consumers that are already on the market. Items designed for business use or prototypes are excluded from eligibility.

Judging Criteria

Key factors evaluated include:

• - Distinctive features as a local food
• - Flavor and quality, reflecting the artisanal effort
• - Presentation and packaging quality, considering both design and functionality

Organized by:

The Future Dining Association, supported by the Frozen Food PR Federation, with cooperation from Matsuya Ginza’s Frozen Gourmet, Rakuten Group, and the All Japan Supermarket Association.

Pre-Entry Info Sessions

To aid potential entrants, there will be two preparatory meetings held online:

• - First Info Session: September 11, 2025, from 16:00 to 16:50

- Featuring Takemura Dai and an overview from Masaru Yamada.
- Guest speakers include the grand prize winner, Toshitaka Mochizuki from Bosen.

• - Second Info Session: September 25, 2025, from 16:00 to 16:50

- Discussion led by Takemura Dai, focusing on frozen specialties like dumplings and shumai.
- Speakers include industry opinion leaders.

Participants can register for these sessions via the official site, ensuring they have all the details necessary to partake in this exciting opportunity!