World Sushi Skills Seminar 2025 Empowers Filipino Chefs with Elite Techniques
Aspiring sushi chefs in the country had the opportunity to refine their craft through the prestigious World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025, which took place from February 5 to 7, 2025 at Enderun College in Taguig City.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in partnership with Sanriku and Hightower, Inc., this three-day seminar was designed to provide participants with the advanced techniques and cultural insights required to elevate sushi-making standards in the Philippines, while fostering an appreciation for the art of Japanese cuisine on a global platform.
Opening the skills seminar is JETRO Executive Vice President Mr. Katsunori Nakazawa, who welcomed attendees by sharing that Japan’s surrounding seas with its unique current are home to a diverse marine life that produces fresh, high-quality seafood that shaped a food culture and created a culinary export that people from all around the world now enjoy and recognize.
Mr. Katsunori Nakazawa / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Leading the seminar is Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa, a globally celebrated sushi master and Director General of the World Sushi Skills Institute. With a career that began in Tokyo in 1994, Chef Ogawa has become a pioneer in the sushi world, known for his expertise in sushi preparation, food safety, and presentation.
Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
As the founder of Ogawa Sushi in Tokyo, he has gained international recognition for his innovative approach to sushi-making, earning praise from renowned chefs and culinary institutions worldwide.
Chef Ogawa also serves as a culinary advisor to the Japanese government, advocating for Japanese cuisine across more than 40 countries. His dedication to education and excellence has made him a key figure in training the next generation of sushi professionals.
The seminar’s program included a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on practical training. Participants learned essential skills such as cooking sushi rice, managing knives, cutting and seasoning fish, and preparing and serving sushi and sashimi.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
These skills align with international sushi standards, ensuring chefs can confidently demonstrate their expertise in any global culinary setting while enhancing their professional development in the art of authentic sushi-making.
The curriculum was designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of sushi-making techniques while also emphasizing food safety and the rich history of Japanese cuisine. The event concluded with a written examination, and successful participants received the esteemed Sushi Proficiency Certificate issued by the World Sushi Skills Institute.
The event was held at Enderun College, with activities taking place in the Culinary Amphitheater and Kitchen Laboratory. Sessions ran from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Day 1 was dedicated to preparation, followed by seminar lectures and practical training over the next three days.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
With a maximum of 20 participants, the seminar promised an intimate and focused learning environment, allowing for personalized instruction, in-depth feedback, and extensive hands-on practice to hone essential sushi-making skills. Interested sushi chefs were encouraged to prepare by studying materials published by the World Sushi Skills Institute in advance.
The World Sushi Skills Seminar was the culmination of JETRO’s year-long Japanese seafood campaign. This event marked a significant milestone in promoting authentic Japanese fishery ingredients and culinary traditions in the Philippines, empowering local chefs to achieve international standards of excellence.
This is a press release. Minor edits were made prior to publishing.
