World Sushi Skills Seminar 2025 set to empower Filipino chefs with elite techniques

Aspiring sushi chefs in the Philippines will have the opportunity to refine their craft at the World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025, scheduled for February 5 to 7 at Enderun College.

Hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in partnership with Sanriku and Hightower, Inc., the three-day seminar will provide participants with advanced techniques and cultural insights needed to elevate sushi-making standards in the Philippines. It aims to foster greater appreciation for Japanese cuisine globally.

JETRO executive vice president Katsunori Nakazawa will open the seminar by discussing the rich marine life surrounding Japan’s seas, which produce the high-quality seafood that shaped the country’s culinary culture and created a globally recognized export.

Leading the seminar is Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa, a globally recognized sushi master and director general of the World Sushi Skills Institute. With a career that began in Tokyo in 1994, Chef Ogawa is known for his expertise in sushi preparation, food safety, and presentation. As the founder of Ogawa Sushi in Tokyo, he has earned praise for his innovative approach to sushi-making. Chef Ogawa also serves as a culinary advisor to the Japanese government and has advocated for Japanese cuisine in more than 40 countries.

The seminar will feature a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on training, where participants will learn essential skills such as cooking sushi rice, managing knives, cutting and seasoning fish, and preparing sushi and sashimi. The program aligns with international sushi standards, ensuring chefs can confidently demonstrate their expertise in any global culinary setting. The curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and food safety, along with the rich history of Japanese cuisine. The seminar will conclude with a written examination, and successful participants will receive the Sushi Proficiency Certificate from the World Sushi Skills Institute.

Held in Enderun College’s Culinary Amphitheater and Kitchen Laboratory, the seminar will run daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program is limited to 20 participants to allow for personalized instruction, feedback, and extensive hands-on practice.

The seminar is the culmination of JETRO’s year-long Japanese seafood campaign and represents a significant milestone in promoting authentic Japanese fishery ingredients and culinary traditions in the Philippines.

Interested participants may sign up for the World Sushi Skills Institute through this link: https://wkf.ms/3E69KFF