Aspiring sushi chefs in the country will soon have the opportunity to refine their craft through the prestigious World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025, scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 February at Enderun College.

Hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in partnership with Sanriku and Hightower, Inc., this three-day seminar is designed to provide participants with the advanced techniques and cultural insights required to elevate sushi-making standards in the Philippines, while fostering an appreciation for the art of Japanese cuisine on a global platform.

Opening the skills seminar is JETRO executive vice president Katsunori Nakazawa, who welcomed attendees by sharing that Japan’s surrounding seas with its unique current is home to a diverse marine life that produces fresh, high-quality seafood that shaped a food culture and created a culinary export that people from all around the world now enjoy and recognize.

Leading the seminar is chef Hirotoshi Ogawa, a globally celebrated sushi master and director general of the World Sushi Skills Institute. With a career that began in Tokyo in 1994, chef Ogawa has become a pioneer in the sushi world, known for his expertise in sushi preparation, food safety, and presentation. As the founder of Ogawa Sushi in Tokyo, he has gained international recognition for his innovative approach to sushi-making, earning praise from renowned chefs and culinary institutions worldwide. chef Ogawa also serves as a culinary advisor to the Japanese government, advocating for Japanese cuisine across more than 40 countries. His dedication to education and excellence has made him a key figure in training the next generation of sushi professionals.

The seminar’s program includes a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on practical training. Participants will learn essential skills such as cooking sushi rice, managing knives, cutting and seasoning fish, and preparing and serving sushi and sashimi. These skills align with international sushi standards, ensuring chefs can confidently demonstrate their expertise in any global culinary setting while enhancing their professional development in the art of authentic sushi-making. The curriculum is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of sushi-making techniques while also emphasizing food safety and the rich history of Japanese cuisine. The event will conclude with a written examination, and successful participants will receive the esteemed Sushi Proficiency Certificate issued by the World Sushi Skills Institute.