EAT | The International Bento Competition is Here
EAT | Japan's Culinary Cool: Recipes Sought Worldwide for "BENTO"
International Bento Contest Launched
Now a universally recognized term, "BENTO." The "Week of Taste" Executive Committee, dedicated to children's taste education, is hosting the "International Bento Contest," inviting bento recipes from around the globe and honoring outstanding entries. Submissions are being accepted until Sunday, September 22nd.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Contest site established on the "Week of Taste" website (www.legout.jp)
Last year, the inaugural Bento Contest was held in Japan and France, attracting 450 entries from Japan and 50 from France. During the submission period, numerous comments were received from overseas, such as, "Japanese bento can be prepared the day before, making it economical. Arranging food beautifully in the bento box is stylish and fun," "It's healthier than eating fast food as calorie intake can be controlled," and "Bento boxes are environmentally friendly as they can be washed and reused." To meet the high level of interest, this year's contest is open to submissions from all over the world.
This year's theme is "Terroir / Local Specialties," showcasing a competition of bentos filled with proud local dishes and regional specialties from various countries. Submissions in Japanese can be made on Japan's largest recipe site, "Cookpad" (http://cookpad.com). (To assist international applicants submitting in English, some Japanese bento recipes will be translated into English and published on "Cookpad.")
The judging process involves a preliminary document screening of photos and recipes uploaded by applicants to the contest site, selecting 10 entries. Subsequently, these 10 finalists will create their bentos in a practical skills assessment (final showdown, held in Yokohama) before the judges, who will then determine the winner.
Judges are expected to include: Mr. Yukio Hattori, Chairman of Hattori Nutrition College; Mr. Seizo Mikuni, Owner Chef of Hotel de Mikuni and Mikuni MARUNOUCHI; Mr. Kazunari Yanagihara, Head of Kincharyu School and Yanagihara Culinary Studio; Ms. Makiko Fujino, Culinary Researcher; Mr. Hiromitsu Nozaki, Head Chef of "Wakatoku"; Mr. Guillaume Gomez, Second Chef de Cuisine (MOF) at the Élysée Palace, French Presidential Residence; Mr. André Passédat, Owner Chef of "Restaurant Passion"; and representatives from sponsoring companies (titles omitted, order not significant).
"Week of Taste" Secretariat
International Bento Contest
Tel. 03-3402-5616
Fax. 03-3402-5452
E-mail:info@legout.jp
"Week of Taste" Website
www.legout.jp