Japanese Culinary Academy’s Japanese Cuisine Complete Named Grand Prix Winner at Inaugural Premium Japan Award
TOKYO, Sept. 29, 2026 – The Japan Culture Creation Organization (JCCO) announced the winners of the inaugural Premium Japan Award, recognizing efforts to preserve, advance, and share Japanese culture globally. The event honored sixteen recipients at the Kanze Noh Theater in Tokyo, featuring distinguished figures, including kabuki star Hayato Nakamura.
The Grand Prix was awarded to Japanese Cuisine Complete, a comprehensive initiative by the Japanese Culinary Academy aimed at documenting and transmitting the techniques and cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine for future generations.
The award, developed in partnership with Premium Japan, aims to highlight “hidden gems” of Japanese culture—from craftsmanship to performing arts—and introduce significant contributors to a wider audience.
Hiroya Kawasaki, director of the Academy, expressed appreciation for the honor, emphasizing the collective efforts of the Academy’s team and their goal to share Japanese cuisine worldwide.
Premium Japan Award 2026 Winners
- Grand Prix
- Japanese Cuisine Complete (Japanese Culinary Academy)
Individual & Organization Awards:
- Okurayama Studio – Innovative transformations of traditional stonework.
- Otani Sanso – Revitalization of Nagato Yumoto Onsen ryokan.
- SUZUSAN – Global promotion of traditional Arimatsu shibori tie-dyeing.
- Hayato Nakamura – International kabuki performances.
- Masaomi Raku – Contemporary exploration of Raku ware pottery.
Special Project Awards:
- A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE – Exploring innovative clothing solutions.
- Sea Vegetable – Restoration of marine ecosystems through seaweed cultivation.
- Tamasaburo Bando Costume Exhibition – Showcasing traditional kabuki costumes.
- Saburomaru Distillery – Unique whiskey production initiatives.
Producer & Curator Award:
- A Light House Called Kanata – Promoting Japanese talent in the global art market.
Special Sponsor Awards:
- Okui Kaiseido – Traditions of kombu and dashi culture.
- Shiraiwa Co., Ltd. – Premium sake production.
- Kijoka Bashofu Cooperative – Preservation of traditional textiles.
- Sugihara Shoten – Innovation in washi paper applications.
- Fushikino – Specializing in kaiseki cuisine and sake pairing.
Event Highlights
The ceremony showcased traditional performances, commencing with “Sanbaso,” a dance symbolizing bountiful harvests. Honorees received unique trophies and were recognized for their commitment to enriching Japanese culture.
About the Premium Japan Award
The Premium Japan Award is an annual initiative honoring individuals and projects that significantly contribute to cultural preservation and global understanding of Japan. Recipients’ stories are featured on an online platform encompassing multiple languages.
For further details and press materials, visit: Premium Japan Dropbox
SOURCE: Japan Culture Creation Organization
