Noda Kamata High School's ‘Plaisir’ Claims the Kai Corporation Award at the 18th Sweets Koshien

Celebrating Youth and Culinary Arts: A Sweet Victory

The vibrant world of pastry is set to rise with excitement as the 18th Sweets Koshien, an esteemed competition for high school pastry chefs, took center stage this September. This year, Noda Kamata Gakuen High School's team, Plaisir, emerged victoriously, clinching the coveted Kai Corporation Award for their exceptional skill and artistry in using pastry tools effectively and respectfully. This accolade not only highlights their culinary prowess but also opens the door for an exciting collaboration with the renowned global knife manufacturer, Kai Corporation, to produce an exclusive dessert.

The Sweets Koshien is a competition where teams of three from the same school come together to showcase their creativity and technical abilities in crafting stunning desserts. Launched in 2008 by Kai Corporation, the event aims to enrich culinary knowledge and nurture future pastry chefs. After transitioning to the Sankei Shimbun in 2020, the competition has continued to thrive and promote the importance of food culture.

A Theme of Love: Wedding Cakes

In its 18th edition held in 2025, the theme revolved around “wedding cakes,” with 121 teams from 63 schools competing. The excitement culminated in a national final held in September, with six teams advancing from regional rounds to demonstrate their skills and passion live on YouTube. Among these talented teams, Plaisir stood out, particularly for their innovative approach and excellent tool management, securing them the Kai Corporation Award.

As part of their victory, the Plaisir team—comprising students Sawa Sanae, Rinoha Watanabe, and Ruihika Iwane—was rewarded with the opportunity to co-develop an original dessert with Kai Corporation that would be featured at the KITCHEN STAGE in Shinjuku.

Presenting: ‘A Spoonful of Bitter Cocoa and Pistachio’

Launching on February 1, 2026, the dessert titled “A Spoonful of Bitter Cocoa and Pistachio” is a celebration of both classic and sophisticated flavor combinations, thoughtfully crafted to appeal to a wide range of palates. The dessert will be available exclusively for dine-in at the KITCHEN STAGE, located at the basement first floor of Isetan Shinjuku.

Product Details

- Product Name: A Spoonful of Bitter Cocoa and Pistachio
- Availability: February 1 – February 28, 2026 (tentative)
- Price: ¥880 (tax included)
- Location: KITCHEN STAGE, Isetan Shinjuku, B1 level
- Business Hours: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM (last order 7:00 PM)

This delightful dessert combines rich, smooth chocolate panna cotta with a nutty, flavorful pistachio ice cream. The finishing touch features meticulously dried mandarin slices, which enhance the chocolate’s bittersweet notes and exude a gentle citrus aroma—blending familiar tastes with a twist of sophistication.

A Multisensory Experience Awaiting Patrons

The Plaisir team's innovative dessert is designed to create a multisensory experience, with contrasting textures from the creamy panna cotta and the crispiness of dried mandarin, aiming to provide a delightful contrast in every bite. Slow enjoyment of this dessert will allow diners to savor the interplay of flavors and textures, making each taste feel special and inviting.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Noda Kamata Gakuen High School and Kai Corporation marks an exciting moment in the Japanese culinary landscape, emphasizing the importance of passion, creativity, and technical skill among future pastry chefs. This event showcases the depth of talent present in high school students and their potential to shape the culinary arts in the years to come.

About Kai Corporation

Founded in 1908 in the knife-making city of Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Kai Corporation has evolved into a global leader in kitchenware and beauty products. The company offers a broad range of over 10,000 items, from razors and grooming products to versatile kitchen and medical tools, adhering to high standards in product planning, development, production, sales, and logistics.

For further inquiries regarding this collaboration or for more information about Kai Corporation's products, please reach out through their customer service portal.

Location: 3-9-5 Iwamoto-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan