#Japan #Tokyo #Sweets Koshien #Pastry Chef #Tahiti Trip

The 18th Sweets Koshien: Finals Announced!

Excitement is building as the 18th Sweets Koshien, a prestigious competition for high school pastry chefs in Japan, prepares for its finals. Scheduled for September 15, the event will take place in Tokyo, showcasing the creativity and skill of young culinary talent from around the country. This year, the competition's theme is "Wedding Cake," encouraging participants to craft stunning desserts that embody the joy and elegance of a wedding celebration.

A Glimpse into the Competition

The preliminary rounds of the Sweets Koshien have concluded, with six teams emerging victorious from a highly competitive pool of 24 schools, split into East and West blocks. Each block featured 12 teams, and the finalists have shown exceptional artistry and technique in their cake designs. The judges will now determine which of these teams will be crowned the top pastry chefs in Japan.

The victorious team will receive the prestigious Minister of Education Award and an incredible prize: a study trip to Tahiti, courtesy of Air Tahiti Nui. The winning team will also be recognized by various sponsors, including the KAI Award from KAI Group, the Peko-chan Award from Fujiya Co., Ltd., the Tully's Award from Tully's Coffee Japan, and the Pasteurize Award from the Dover Liquor Foundation.

Meet the Finalist Teams

The finalists include a diverse group of talented students:

East Japan Block:

• - Mon rêve from Jonan High School (Gifu)
• - Plaisir from Noda Kamata Gakuen High School (Chiba)
• - CHAINON from Noda Kamata Gakuen High School (Chiba)

West Japan Block:

• - Arc-en-ciel from Iizuka High School (Fukuoka)
• - Éclat fière from Ikusei Cooking School (Hyogo)
• - Astrantia from Kamimura Gakuen High School (Kagoshima)

A Panel of Esteemed Judges

The competition promises a vibrant atmosphere with renowned figures in the baking industry. The advisory role will be filled by Yukiko Omori, while esteemed judges Chef Toshihiko Yoritsuka and Chef Noriyuki Nagai will provide their expertise to evaluate the culinary creations. Alongside them, eight chefs who judged the preliminary rounds will also contribute their insights during the finals.

Live Coverage of the Event

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live through the official Sweets Koshien YouTube channel here. Audiences can look forward to highlights from the preliminary rounds uploaded toward the end of August, bringing the excitement of this elite competition directly to fans around the world.

Support and Sponsorship

The Sweets Koshien is organized by Sankei Shimbun, with special sponsorship from KAI Group. Numerous companies are showing their support, including Tully's Coffee Japan and the Dover Liquor Foundation, among others. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is also an honorary supporter of the event, reinforcing the competition's importance in fostering young talents in the culinary arts.

As we eagerly await the finals, we can't help but cheer for these inspiring young pastry chefs as they showcase their creativity, passion, and dedication to their craft. May the best team win!