Learn Authentic Japanese Cuisine, Anywhere in the World
Our flexible, affordable online program helps you build real Japanese cooking skills and take the next step in your career, with a certification supervised by a Japanese culinary authority founded in 1930.
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At a glance
- Courses
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Advanced Intensive
- Price
- From $220 per person, up to $998 depending on the course and the MAFF Bronze certification
- Format
- 100% online and self-paced, available 24 hours a day
- Language
- All videos, textbooks and examinations are in English
- Time to complete
- 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on the course
- Certification
- Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification; on the Advanced routes, optionally the MAFF Bronze certification
- Groups
- Schools, restaurants and companies can enroll at a per-group price
What is “Japanese Cooking”?
This online certificate course is designed for those who want to learn the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine and food culture through e-learning, and to earn a certification.
With years of experience running Japanese cooking classes for people from overseas in Tsukiji, Tokyo, we have built programs with clear, easy-to-follow explanations for real needs.
Produced and managed by Sunnylive, Inc.; certificates are issued jointly with The Association for the Advancement of the Japanese Culinary Art.
Choose your course
Four courses take you from the basics to the Advanced Level, each ending in its own examination and certificate, so you can also take a single course: the Beginner Course from $220, the Intermediate Course from $250 for Beginner Course graduates, the Advanced Course from $450 (or $670 with the MAFF Bronze certification), and the Advanced Intensive Course — the complete route in one module — from $778 (or $998 with MAFF Bronze).
Who this program is for
Those who enjoy Japanese food
Learn the techniques behind the dishes you already love, at your own pace.
Those who want to learn systematically
Study Japanese food culture and cooking techniques from the basics, step by step.
Those who work for or manage a restaurant
Bring correctly-executed Japanese cuisine to your menu and your team.
Those who want to advance their career
Master Japanese cuisine and use the certification to support a job search or a raise.
Future chefs and restaurant owners
Build the skills to work as a Japanese chef or run your own restaurant.
We meet the needs of just about everyone, from beginners to professionals.
Six things that set this program apart
Tap a heading to read more.
1All 81 videos are narrated in English
The cooking videos are all narrated in English so that you can learn stress-free.
No Japanese language ability is required.
2Authentic cooking method
This program has been supervised by an authoritative organization in the Japanese culinary world, dedicated to providing up-to-date information and techniques, so you can learn Japanese cuisine correctly.
3Practical cooking skills
A practical learning program that emphasizes reproducibility, so that you can repeat each dish reliably in your own kitchen.
4Learn based on your skills
There are Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced study programs, so you can earn a certification that matches your level.
5Instructor feedback
You can ask questions in the online course at any time and receive full follow-up support from our experts and instructors to make sure you understand each step.
6Membership after the course
As a member, you can attend live lectures given by Michelin-starred chefs and owners of famous Japanese restaurants, so you can keep improving your skills and follow the latest trends.
Benefits of earning a certification
- A logical explanation of the techniques behind Japanese cuisine, so your dishes turn out consistently delicious, not just occasionally, helping you attract customers.
- Differentiate your restaurant from others by serving your customers with correct knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
- Support a job search or a pay negotiation when working at a Japanese restaurant overseas, and make authentic restaurant-level dishes at home.
- Use the Advanced Level or MAFF Bronze certification as an advantage when starting your own business or changing jobs in the food industry.
- Ask us about Japanese cuisine any time. It is hard to resolve every question from videos or recipe books alone, but with our e-learning and instructor support you can build correct knowledge as you go.
See it for yourself, free
Watch sample lessons from the course, narrated in English, plus recipes by a Michelin-starred Japanese chef, before you enroll.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification Course?
An online course that teaches the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine and food culture through 81 English-narrated videos, textbooks and examinations, leading to a certification supervised by The Association for the Advancement of the Japanese Culinary Art.
How much does it cost?
From $220 per person for the Beginner Course, up to $998 for the Advanced Intensive Course with the MAFF Bronze certification.
See the courses page for the full price list and the routes to the Advanced Level.
Can I try the course before I enroll?
Yes.
Two sample lessons and two recipes by a Michelin-starred chef are free to watch, narrated in English like the full course.
Do I need previous cooking experience?
No.
The Beginner Course and the Advanced Intensive Course have no entry requirement.
The Intermediate Course is also open to everyone; the Advanced Course requires the Intermediate Course first.
Is this available for schools and companies?
Yes.
Culinary schools, restaurants and companies can enroll groups of students or staff at a per-group price.
See the page for corporations and schools for details.
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