What is the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries?
A certification system for chefs of Japanese cuisine outside Japan, established in April 2016 by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
There are three levels — Gold, Silver and Bronze — and the Bronze level can be obtained by passing the Advanced Level examination of our online course.
At a glance
- Established
- April 2016, by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
- Purpose
- To train chefs of Japanese cuisine overseas with appropriate skills and knowledge
- Levels
- Gold, Silver and Bronze
- Bronze through this course
- Pass the Advanced Level examination of the Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification Course with the MAFF Bronze option
- Eligibility
- Chefs of non-Japanese nationality; not available to Japanese nationals
- What you receive
- A Bronze certificate and a bronze medal
- Price
- $670 (Advanced Course) or $998 (Advanced Intensive Course) per person; groups from $5,500 for up to 10 students
- Official information
- MAFF: Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries
Why the certification was created
The number of Japanese restaurants located overseas was approximately 156,000 in 2019, a rapid increase of about 30% from an estimated 118,000 in 2017.
However, in some of these restaurants the meals are prepared by chefs who lack basic Japanese cuisine skills and knowledge.
Therefore, in April 2016, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) established the guidelines for the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries, to train Japanese-cuisine chefs overseas with appropriate skills and knowledge.
Official mark of the certification
Certified chefs may use the Taste of Japan mark, the official mark of the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries, to show that their skills and knowledge of Japanese cuisine have been recognized.
The three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze
Established in April 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Each level has its own requirements and a defined set of knowledge and skills to be acquired.
Gold
Approximately two years of practical experienceRequirements
Those who have approximately two years of practical experience in a Japanese restaurant located in Japan whose head chef is Japanese, and are deemed to have acquired the knowledge and skills below.
Knowledge and skills to be acquired
- Japanese dietary culture: Japanese dietary culture, Japanese foods, eating style, Japanese sake and tea.
- Hygiene management: types and prevention of food poisoning, clothing, handling of food ingredients, cleaning and sterilization of cooking utensils and equipment, food ingredients and foods that require heating.
- Techniques: how to use Japanese cooking utensils and equipment, how to select food ingredients, how to cut and peel them, procedures and hours required for cooking, heat level and the mechanism of applying heat, how to make dashi, blending ratios of seasonings, presentation, preservation methods and menu preparation.
- Omotenashi (hospitality and service): words, greeting, consideration, manner, how to place meals.
Silver
Cooking-school graduates or approximately one year of experienceRequirements
- Those who studied Japanese cuisine for approximately one year at a cooking school, in or outside their own country, and graduated from that school; or
- Those who have approximately one year of practical experience in a Japanese restaurant located in Japan whose head chef is Japanese, and are deemed to have acquired the knowledge and skills below.
Knowledge and skills to be acquired
- Japanese dietary culture: Japanese dietary culture, Japanese foods, eating style.
- Hygiene management: types and prevention of food poisoning, clothing, handling of food ingredients, cleaning and sterilization of cooking utensils and equipment, food ingredients.
- Techniques: how to use Japanese cooking utensils and equipment, how to select food ingredients, how to cut and peel them, blending ratios of seasonings, procedures and hours required for cooking, heat level and the mechanism of applying heat, how to make dashi, presentation, preservation methods.
- Omotenashi (hospitality and service): manner, how to place meals.
Bronze
Short-term training and an examinationRequirements
Those who received training in the knowledge and skills below in short-term sessions organized by a Japanese cooking school or a private body, in or outside their own country, and then passed the examination conducted by the certification body.
Knowledge and skills to be acquired
- Japanese dietary culture: knowledge of Japanese dietary culture.
- Hygiene management: types and prevention of food poisoning, clothing, handling of food ingredients, cleaning and sterilization of cooking utensils and equipment, food ingredients and foods that require heating.
- Techniques: how to use Japanese cooking utensils and equipment, how to select food ingredients, how to cut and peel them, blending ratios of seasonings, procedures and hours required for cooking, presentation, preservation methods.
- Omotenashi (hospitality and service): manner.
Benefits of acquiring the Bronze certification through this course
- It differentiates you from other Japanese restaurants, chefs and cooking enthusiasts.
- It effectively motivates employees and students.
- It differentiates you from others in the culinary job market.
- By using the Bronze certification and badge to improve the credibility of your restaurant, you can attract more customers.
How to obtain the Bronze certification through this course
- Choose an Advanced route with the MAFF Bronze option. Either the Advanced Course (for students who have completed the Intermediate Course, $670 per person) or the Advanced Intensive Course (basic to advanced level in one module, no prerequisite, $998 per person).
- Study online. Video lessons in English, textbooks and assignments, at your own pace, 24 hours a day.
- Pass the Advanced Level examination. Book your examination during the course period.
- Receive your certificates. The Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification: Advanced Level, together with the Bronze certificate and bronze medal of the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries.
Ready to start?
Schools and companies can enroll groups with the MAFF Bronze option from $5,500 for up to 10 students.
Eligibility and restrictions
The MAFF Bronze certification is not available to Japanese nationals
The Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries is a Japanese government scheme for chefs of non-Japanese nationality. If a student is found to hold Japanese nationality after registration, the certificate will be invalidated and no refund will be given. Please confirm your eligibility before enrolling.
The Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification itself is issued by The Association for the Advancement of the Japanese Culinary Art and Sunnylive, Inc. and is open to everyone.
If you are unsure, please ask us before enrolling.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
What is the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries?
A certification system for chefs of Japanese cuisine outside Japan.
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) established its guidelines in April 2016 to train chefs overseas with appropriate skills and knowledge.
It has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
How can I obtain the Bronze certification?
By passing the Advanced Level examination of the Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification Course with the MAFF Bronze option, either through the Advanced Course (after the Intermediate Course) or through the Advanced Intensive Course.
Successful students receive a Bronze certificate and a bronze medal.
Can I obtain the Gold or Silver certification through this course?
No.
Gold requires approximately two years of practical experience in a Japanese restaurant in Japan whose head chef is Japanese, and Silver requires approximately one year of such experience or graduation from a Japanese cooking school after approximately one year of study.
This online course leads to the Bronze certification.
Who is eligible?
The certification is a Japanese government scheme for chefs of non-Japanese nationality, so it is not available to Japanese nationals.
The Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification itself is open to everyone.
What do I receive?
A Bronze certificate and a bronze medal of the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries, together with the Japanese Cooking Fundamental Skills Certification: Advanced Level and a certificate of course completion.
How much does it cost?
The Advanced Course with the MAFF Bronze option costs $670 per person and the Advanced Intensive Course with the MAFF Bronze option $998 per person, examination and certificate fees included.
Group prices for schools and companies start at $5,500 for up to 10 students.
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