#Japan #Ichikawa #Chiba Prefecture #Game Cuisine #Boso Game

The 8th Boso Game Contest: A Culinary Extravaganza in Chiba

On February 1st, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM, the 8th Boso Game Contest will take place at KeiyoGAS Community Terrace in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. This exciting event is designed to promote awareness of processed wild game products, particularly from the region, while offering attendees a chance to sample exquisite dishes prepared by talented finalists.

A Showcase of Boso Game Cuisine

This year, the contest will feature five finalists selected from a pool of applicants, including both local and non-local chefs. These finalists have passed through preliminary evaluations and will compete in a live cooking and tasting judgment. Visitors are welcome to enjoy free samples of the finalists' dishes along with various demonstrations, workshops, and the awards ceremony.

The contest specifically emphasizes the use of "Boso Game," which includes wild boar and deer, caught within Chiba Prefecture. As part of the prefecture's initiative to address wildlife management, the culinary event aims to expand the consumption of these meats while creating new demand for processed food products, including ready-to-eat dishes.

Event Highlights

• - Free Tasting of Finalist Dishes: From approximately 1:30 PM, guests can taste five featured dishes created by the finalists, with around 50 servings of each dish available.
• - Awards Presentation: Starting at 3 PM, an award ceremony will take place where the Grand Prize (Chiba Governor's Award) and Excellence Award (Chiba Prefectural Agricultural and Fisheries Department Director's Award) will be announced. The beloved local mascot, Chiba-kun, is also expected to make an appearance!
• - Workshops and Exhibits: Attendees can join in hands-on workshops, such as mini boar crafting from boar leather, and create unique handmade notebooks with leather covers. These attractive workshops will allow the public to learn about the sustainable use of local resources through engaging activities.
• - Special Tasting of Reference Dishes: Notably, a reference dish made with the invasive species known as kyōn (an Asian deer) will also be available for tasting, showcasing the breadth of game cuisine’s diversity.

Location and Access

The event will be held at KeiyoGAS Community Terrace (Terasu), located at 3-14-1 Minami Yawata, Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. The venue is conveniently accessible via a 4-minute walk from Hon-Yawata Station on the JR Sobu Line or the Toei Shinjuku Line, although there is limited parking, prompting guests to utilize public transport.

Judges and Culinary Expertise

The contest will be judged by a panel of experts, including Takuto Murota, the renowned chef and owner of LATURE in Shibuya, Tokyo. Murota, a Chiba native, is well-regarded in the culinary community for his commitment to outdoor and sustainable cooking, providing education on the importance of responsible food sourcing.

Join Us!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the rich flavors of Boso Game as well as gain insights into sustainable culinary practices! With no admission fee for tasting or observing the ceremony, mark your calendars for February 1st, 2026, and explore the delightful possibilities of local game cuisine.

For more information, feel free to contact the organizer’s office at Onion Newspaper Co., located in Chiba City. Their team will be happy to assist with any inquiries regarding the event.