[First exclusive local event!] Finally held in the holy land, Nakatsu! The 17th Karaage Grand Prix® Award Ceremony 'Best Karaagenist 2026' awarded to Wen Akagi, Moka Hinata, and Azusa Babazono!

The "Karaage Grand Prix®," celebrating its 17th year.
It is an event held annually since 2010 by the "Japan Karaage Association," an organization formed by people who love fried chicken the most and feel happy when eating it, focusing on nurturing "Karaagenists" and serving as an "organization that bears world peace through fried chicken."

Today, Wednesday, April 15th, the memorable "17th Karaage Grand Prix®" award ceremony was held. This time, it was held in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, the holy land of fried chicken, marking the first time in the history of the Grand Prix that it was held exclusively in a local area. Fried chicken artisans and Karaagenists from all over the country gathered at the venue, "Villa Luce." In addition to the awards in all 11 categories, a historical joint declaration was made, filling the venue with an enthusiasm unique to the holy land.

《Event Report》

[Organizer's Greeting] "Finally held in the holy land" Japan Karaage Association Chairman Teppei Yasuhisa talks about the evolution and future of fried chicken.

At the beginning of the award ceremony, Teppei Yasuhisa, Chairman of the Japan Karaage Association, took the stage. He passionately spoke about the award ceremony in Nakatsu, which was the first exclusive local event.

■ "Overwhelmed with emotion" Thoughts put into the first event in the holy land of Nakatsu

"Thank you very much for inviting me today. I am truly delighted that for the 17th event, we were finally able to hold the award ceremony here in 'Nakatsu, the holy land of fried chicken' as the first exclusive local event.

I have been coming to Nakatsu for decades, and holding a ceremony in this place is truly amazing beyond the fried chicken world. I am so happy that I'm sweating weirdly (laughs), and I am filled with emotion right now. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the administration and local residents of Usa City, the birthplace of specialty stores, and Nakatsu City for their tremendous efforts."

■ "The best a few years ago is now normal" The dramatically rising level of the industry

"I say this every year, but the level of fried chicken is steadily rising year by year. The taste that was said to be 'the best' a few years ago is now considered 'normal.' That is how much stores nationwide are working hard and raising the bottom line.

In 2025, we renovated the Grand Prix system, which caused some inconvenience, but many people still participated in the judging without being discouraged. As a Karaagenist, I have nothing but gratitude for proving that it is delicious fried chicken."

■ Developing the "Karaage Test" to raise the level of the makers

"From 2025, we wanted to raise the level not only of the people who eat but also of the 'people who make it,' so we held the 1st grade Karaage Test on September 24th, 'Meat Day.' In this way, I realize that the population involved in fried chicken is increasing, and the culture is deepening.

Everyone gathered here today, and all the Karaagenists nationwide beyond the screen. Thanks to you, we have made it to the 17th event. I would like to express my gratitude for being able to experience this wonderful space together, and with this, I will give my opening remarks."

From specialty stores to supermarkets, and to the world. The future of food culture connected by fried chicken.

We report on the talk session by three key industry figures held during the award ceremony of the "17th Karaage Grand Prix®."

[Speakers]
- Koichiro Yagi (Executive Director, Japan Karaage Association)
- Mana Kumagai (Chairperson, Japan Konamon Association)
- Cook Inoue. (Cooking Comedian)