CIB and Japanese Government agreement:

The CIB – Culinary Institute of Barcelona will host an unprecedented event in Spain: the Japanese Cuisine Bronze Medal Course, an official training program endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) and organized by the Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture Development Committee, in collaboration with the All Japan Food Association.

Over 13 days, CIB students will receive intensive training in traditional Japanese techniques such as sanmai oroshi (three-part fish filleting) and katsuramuki (thin daikon slicing), along with modules on food hygiene, Japanese etiquette, traditional knives, and the concept of omotenashi. The course concludes with an official theoretical and practical exam, where participants will demonstrate their skills before a jury of internationally renowned experts.

Jury and Guests of Honor

The final exam will be evaluated by distinguished figures from the Japanese culinary world:

Aya Hamasuna: Head of the Secretariat, Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture Development Committee.
With extensive experience in event production and coordination, Hamasuna has led promotional projects for MAFF and Japan’s National Tax Agency. Her expertise ensures a rigorous and professional evaluation process.

Yoshikazu Yanome: Goodwill Ambassador for the Promotion of Japanese Cuisine (MAFF, 2023).
Chef of Kaido Sushi Bar in Valencia, awarded a Michelin star in 2021. Yanome has represented Japanese cuisine in international events in Mexico and Spain, and collaborates with the Valencian Tourism Board.

Hideki Matsuhisa: Michelin-starred chef and owner of Koy Shunka in Barcelona.
Renowned for his mastery of high-level Japanese cuisine, Matsuhisa has trained generations of chefs and is a key figure in the spread of washoku in Europe.

Adrià Benages: Chef instructor at CIB and course coordinator.
Trained at Koy Shunka and experienced in Japanese cuisine, Benages has been the bridge between Japan and Spain for the implementation of this pioneering course.

A European First

This course marks a historic milestone: it is the first time an official Japanese culinary training with a certified exam is held in Spain, making CIB the first Spanish school to host such a program. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural and gastronomic ties between Japan and Spain and set new standards of excellence in Japanese culinary education outside Asia.

Students who pass the exam will receive the Japanese Cuisine Bronze Medal, an official certificate recognizing their mastery of fundamental techniques and understanding of Japanese culinary culture.

Course and Exam Schedule

Dates: September 22 to October 8, 2025
Duration: 13 days (10 classes + 2 practice sessions + 1 exam)
Final exam: written test + katsuramuki (30 cm daikon slicing) + sanmai oroshi (filleting a sea bream), evaluated according to official Japanese criteria.

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