'Iron Chef of School Lunches 2026' Contest for Nursery and Kindergarten Cooking Staff Announced

Iron Chef of School Lunches

What is the Iron Chef of School Lunches?

The school lunch recipe and cooking contest "Iron Chef of School Lunches" (Executive Committee Chairman: Hironori Maruyama), aimed at cooking staff in nursery schools, kindergartens, and certified children's gardens nationwide, is kicking off again this year! This tournament is a nationwide recipe contest where actual nursery dietitians, cooks, and cooking assistants participate as teams to compete in technical skill, creativity, and passion for children, under the theme of creating school lunches that contribute to children's growth.

Entry Period June 8, 2026 (Monday) - September 4, 2026 (Friday)

[Judges] Continuing from Iron Chef of School Lunches 2025, Ms. Okuzono has been selected!

Head Judge Hisako Okuzono (Household Cooking Researcher) Born in Kyoto Prefecture. She deeply loves home-cooked meals that you never get tired of, no matter how many times you make them. With the motto "Cooking should be fun and simple." She advocates for easy, delicious, and healthy home cooking that eliminates unnecessary effort.

[Iron Chef of School Lunches 2025 1-Minute Digest Video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9T7QESwq1k Featuring a variety of creative recipes, including those from teams that advanced to the finals

[Iron Chef of School Lunches 2026 Applicant Privilege] The highly popular "Iron Chef of School Lunches Recipe BOOK" will be presented to all applicants for the Iron Chef of School Lunches 2026! A recipe book containing excerpts of recipes from finalists, award-winning recipes, and judges' special choices. It will be sent to everyone who participated in the tournament.

[Contact Information] Iron Chef of School Lunches 2026 Executive Committee Secretariat (Inside the General Incorporated Foundation Japan educe Food Education Research Institute) tel: 0120-301-237 mail: tetsujin@educe-shokuiku.jp