Japan's "Fish Nation" Exam: 2026 Japan Fish Examination to be Held November 3-9!

Japan Fish Examination Official Website Main Visual

The Japan Fish Examination Association (Koto Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director: Masakazu Oyama) will hold the "2026 Japan Fish Examination 'Totoken Online'" from November 3 (Tue, holiday) to November 9 (Mon) this year. [WEB application deadline: October 20 (Tue), 12:00 PM]

Established in 2010 as an examination to test knowledge of seafood, the Japan Fish Examination (nickname: Totoken) aims to encourage a "delicious" encounter with fish by helping people rediscover the appeal of fish consumption, which has nurtured the minds and bodies of Japanese people, through exploring the rich fish-eating culture and seasonal flavors across Japan.

Re-launched as an "Online Examination" in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been challenged by 37,000 fish fans nationwide, from preschoolers to those in their 80s, over 16 years since its first session in 2010.

As this year's event will be the last, to expand the opportunity for the final participation, the examination period for all levels – Level 3 (Beginner), Level 2 (Intermediate), and Level 1 (Advanced) – will be set for one week, from 10:00 AM on November 3 (Tue, holiday), "Good Fish Day," to 12:00 PM on November 9 (Mon), to be held online from home.

We hope that participants of the Japan Fish Examination will become "fish storytellers" in their homes, workplaces, schools, and dining establishments, passing on the fish-eating culture of "Fish Nation, Japan."

[Sample Question - Level 3 (Beginner)]

This brightly colored fish, compared to cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, has deeply captured the hearts of Japanese people as a symbol of celebration. Choose the fish that has been used in various forms as a lucky charm to invite good fortune.

<Answer at the bottom>

1 Salmon

2 Sea Bream

3 Yellowtail

4 Tuna

[Key Points of the 2026 Japan Fish Examination]

1. All levels from Level 3 to Level 1 are now easier to take!

This year, the examination period for all levels has been extended! You can take the exam at your preferred time between 10:00 AM on November 3 (Tue) and 12:00 PM on November 9 (Mon), for 7 days.

You can now take the exam after related events for "Good Fish Day" or after work.

2. Applications for Level 2 and Level 1 can be combined!

This is the last chance to be certified as Level 1!

You can take the exam even if you do not have a Level 2 pass certification number.

*To apply for Level 1 only, you need a Level 2 pass certification number from a previous year.

["Totoken Official Guidebook" Released July 1, 2026!]

Cover of the "2026 Totoken Official Guidebook"

2026 Totoken Official Guidebook

"Nippon Fish Gourmet Navi"

<Supports Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1>

* Map of fishing ports and production areas nationwide, local fish dishes * Fish and "Pride Fish" of 47 prefectures Includes markets, restaurants, fishermen's inns, station bento boxes, festivals, and morning markets * Explanation of fish-related events of the past year: 2025-2026 Current Affairs Column * Understanding fish seasons through words

Price: 2,750 yen (tax included)

Published by the Japan Fish Examination Association

Printed book, all color, 240 pages

A4 letter size Released July 1, 2026

[2026 Japan Fish Examination Overview]

Examination Dates and Times All levels: Level 3 (Beginner), Level 2 (Intermediate), Level 1 (Advanced)

Can be taken at your preferred time during the 7 days from November 3 (Tue, holiday) to November 9 (Mon).

Examination Format

At-home online examination

Application Deadline October 20, 2026 (Tue) 12:00 PM / WEB application

Eligibility Level 3 (Beginner) / Level 2 (Intermediate):

Anyone interested in fish can take the exam from any level. *No age or experience restrictions. Combining Level 3 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 1 is possible.

*Level 3 (Beginner) includes furigana readings for kanji.

Level 1 (Advanced): Those who have passed the Japan Fish Examination Level 2 (Intermediate) (A Level 2 pass certification number is required for Level 1-only applications).

Levels Offered Level 3 (Beginner): For those who want to become more familiar with fish through new discoveries and inspirations.

Level 2 (Intermediate): For general fish enthusiasts and connoisseurs, as well as those involved in fisheries, distribution, retail, cooking, and food service, who wish to deepen their knowledge of fish-eating culture.

Level 1 (Advanced): For those aiming for the pinnacle of knowledge regarding fish and Japan's fish-eating culture.

Question Format

Multiple choice (4 options) / 100 questions per level

Examination Fees (tax included)

Level 3 (Beginner): 5,500 yen / Level 2 (Intermediate): 6,600 yen / Level 1 (Advanced): 8,360 yen

Level 3 & Level 2 combined: 10,890 yen [Newly established] Level 2 & Level 1 combined: 13,464 yen

*Early bird, student, family, and group (5+ people) discounts available.

Passing Score

Level 3: 60 or more correct answers out of 100 questions

Level 2: 70 or more correct answers out of 100 questions

Level 1: 80 or more correct answers out of 100 questions

*For Level 3 and Level 2, the passing standard may be lowered depending on the proportion of successful candidates.

*Candidates for Level 1 who answer between 70 and 79 questions correctly will be certified as Quasi-Level 1.

How to Apply Apply online. Payment methods: credit card or convenience store payment. Apply through the 2026 Japan Fish Examination Official Website (https://www.totoken.com/).

Announcement of Results Results will be announced on a dedicated page in late November 2026.

Successful candidates will receive a certificate of passing by mail. Certified cards and business cards are available for a fee.

... Answer to [Sample Question]

2 Sea Bream

Sea bream, exquisite in both appearance and taste, is an indispensable ingredient in the world of Japanese cuisine. Although a white fish, it is rich in flavor and can be deliciously enjoyed as sashimi, salt-grilled, in clear soup, simmered, or as sea bream rice.

...

[Organizer Overview] ■ Name: General Incorporated Association Japan Fish Examination Association

Address: 3-12-5-503 Koishiba, Koto Ward, Tokyo ■ Establishment: September 4, 2009 ■ Representative Director: Masakazu Oyama

[Contact for this Release] ■ Name: General Incorporated Association Japan Fish Examination Association ■ Phone Number: 080-7096-6339 (Oyama) ■ E-mail: info@totoken.com

[Contact for Applications & Examination Inquiries] ■ Secretariat: Japan Fish Examination Operations Secretariat

P.O. Box 133, Kanda Post Office, Japan Post Co., Ltd., 101-8691 ■ Phone Number: 03-6632-5853 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays) ■ E-mail: totoken@kentei-uketsuke.com