[Event] World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025 in Manila

Manila, Philippines – Aspiring sushi chefs in the country will soon have the opportunity to refine their craft through the prestigious World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025, scheduled to take place from February 5 to 7, 2025 at Enderun College.

 

Hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in partnership with Sanriku and Hightower, Inc., this three-day seminar is designed to provide participants with the advanced techniques and cultural insights required to elevate sushi-making standards in the Philippines, while fostering an appreciation for the art of Japanese cuisine on a global platform.

 

Opening the skills seminar is JETRO Executive Vice President Mr. Katsunori Nakazawa, who will welcome the attendees by sharing that Japan’s surrounding seas with its unique current is home to a diverse marine life that produces fresh, high-quality seafood that shaped a food culture and created a culinary export that people from all around the world now enjoy and recognize.

 

Leading the seminar is Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa, a globally celebrated sushi master and Director General of the World Sushi Skills Institute. With a career that began in Tokyo in 1994, Chef Ogawa has become a pioneer in the sushi world, known for his expertise in sushi preparation, food safety, and presentation. As the founder of Ogawa Sushi in Tokyo, he has gained international recognition for his innovative approach to sushi-making, earning praise from renowned chefs and culinary institutions worldwide. Chef Ogawa also serves as a culinary advisor to the Japanese government, advocating for Japanese cuisine across more than 40 countries. His dedication to education and excellence has made him a key figure in training the next generation of sushi professionals.

Photo provided by World Sushi Skills Institute 

The seminar’s program includes a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on practical training. Participants will learn essential skills such as cooking sushi rice, managing knives, cutting and seasoning fish, and preparing and serving sushi and sashimi. These skills align with international sushi standards, ensuring chefs can confidently demonstrate their expertise in any global culinary setting while enhancing their professional development in the art of authentic sushi-making. The curriculum is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of sushi-making techniques while also emphasizing food safety and the rich history of Japanese cuisine. The event will conclude with a written examination, and successful participants will receive the esteemed Sushi Proficiency Certificate issued by the World Sushi Skills Institute.

Photo provided by World Sushi Skills Institute 

The event will be held at Enderun College, with activities taking place in the Culinary Amphitheater and Kitchen Laboratory. Sessions will run from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. Day 1 is dedicated to preparation, followed by seminar lectures and practical training over the next three days.

 

With a maximum of 20 participants, the seminar promises an intimate and focused learning environment, allowing for personalized instruction, in-depth feedback, and extensive hands-on practice to hone essential sushi-making skills. Interested sushi chefs are encouraged to prepare by studying materials published by the World Sushi Skills Institute in advance.

 

The World Sushi Skills Seminar is the culmination of JETRO’s year-long Japanese seafood campaign. This event marks a significant milestone in promoting authentic Japanese fishery ingredients and culinary traditions in the Philippines, empowering local chefs to achieve international standards of excellence.

RETALED ARTICLES:

·    2025, January 30). Learn to make sushi like a master. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2025/01/29/learn-to-make-sushi-like-a-master

·    (2025, February 3). World Sushi Skills Seminar 2025 set to empower Filipino chefs with elite techniques. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/3/world-sushi-skills-seminar-2025-set-to-empower-filipino-chefs-with-elite-techniques#google_vignette

·    Reyes, L. (2025, February 6). Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa will tell you everything about sushi. Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2025/02/06/2419588/chef-hirotoshi-ogawa-will-tell-you-everything-about-sushi

·    (2025, February 6). World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025 heads to Manila. Rappler https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/jetro-world-sushi-skills-institute-seminar-2025-metro-manila-february/

·    Sawada, K. (2025, February 7). 比人すし職人向けセミナー開催 ジェトロと国際すし知識認証協会. Manila Shimbun. https://www.manila-shimbun.com/category/society/news282240.html

·    (2025, February 10). JETROがフィリピン人寿司職人向けにスキル向上セミナー開催. Primer. https://primer.ph/blog/genre/all/world-sushi-skill-seminar-2025/

·    Verayo De Villa, N. (2025, February 20). Sushi etiquette: What a sushi master wants you to know. Inquirer Plus. https://plus.inquirer.net/lifestyle/sushi-etiquette-what-a-sushi-master-wants-you-to-know/

·    Rodriguez III, F. (2025, February 26). Sushi without borders: Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa’s global mission. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/26/sushi-without-borders-chef-hirotoshi-ogawa-s-global-mission