Seeking "Stylish and Quick" and "Easy to Make" Recipes! JF Zengyoren Seafood Cooking Contest Accepting Submissions

Making Fish Dishes More Accessible - "Fish Activity" All Year Round!~

Seafood has long been known for its excellent nutritional value and functional properties. It has played a significant role in developing Japanese food culture and contributing to the health and protein supply of the Japanese people. Today, its deliciousness is also recognized and enjoyed worldwide. Furthermore, consuming domestic seafood contributes to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as a sustainable resource.

Against this backdrop, we are widely seeking ideas for delicious fish dishes using domestic seafood through our "Seafood Cooking Contest." This contest aims to help everyone feel more connected to fish in their daily lives and rediscover its deliciousness through fish dishes.

Why not try your hand at cooking fish this summer and engage in "fish activity" (uokatsu)? With many prizes and awards, we sincerely await your participation alongside our image character, Bandana Pukupuku (illustration by Sakana-kun).

Contest Overview

Contest Themes and Divisions

"Making Fish Dishes More Accessible - 'Fish Activity' All Year Round!"~

(1) Student Division Aiming for Professional Careers

Easy yet stylish and delicious!

"Recipes Made Quickly with a Touch of Style"

(2) Fish Activity (UOKATSU) Division

Easy and makes you want to try making it!

"Quick Recipes"

Eligibility

(1) Student Division Aiming for Professional Careers: Students of culinary schools, high schools with culinary programs, and nutrition-related vocational schools, junior colleges, and universities.

* Students aspiring to be food professionals in home economics or related fields can apply voluntarily. This is an optional choice alongside the Fish Activity Division, so please choose one.

(2) Fish Activity (UOKATSU) Division: Anyone can participate.

* Ages 10 and up. Elementary school students can participate as a pair with their parents or grandparents.

* Excludes those in the Student Division Aiming for Professional Careers (1).

Application Requirements (Common to both divisions)

Applicants must reside in Japan and be able to participate in the practical skills examination and awards ceremony on January 10, 2027 (Sun). Applicants under high school age must be accompanied by a guardian or supervising teacher.

Ingredients (Common to both divisions)

- Use domestic fish, shellfish, and algae. *For the Fish Activity (UOKATSU) Division, use common fish available at supermarkets.

- Processed products such as canned or dried goods are acceptable if the main fish, shellfish, or algae ingredients are domestic. - Use ingredients that can be reproduced during the practical skills and tasting sessions (in January). Alternative ingredients may be used for the application.

Please check the website for information on ingredient costs and cooking times.

PR Statement (Common to both divisions)

For each division, clearly state the dish name, the reason for choosing the main domestic fish, shellfish, or algae used, and the appealing points of the recipe.

How to Apply (2 methods)

1. Apply via Website [Deadline: September 30, 2026 (Wed) 23:59]

Please fill out the required information on the "Application Form" on the 27th Seafood Cooking Contest website, attach a photo of your dish, and submit by the deadline.

2. Apply by Mail [Must arrive by September 15, 2026 (Tue)] *Please note that the deadline differs from the web application.

Download the designated application form from the 27th Seafood Cooking Contest website, fill in the necessary information, attach a photo of your dish, and mail it by the deadline.

[ Address ]

104-0033 Shinkawa K-T Building, 1-28-44 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo JF Zengyoren, Consumer Promotion Department, "Seafood Cooking Contest" Secretariat

For more details on applications and FAQs, please visit the 27th Seafood Cooking Contest website via "View Details."

View Details

About the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (JF Zengyoren) Central Seafood Center

We conduct cooking contests and other activities to deepen public understanding of fishery products, improve their image, promote fish consumption, and expand demand.

https://www.pride-fish.jp/seafood-center/