Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa will tell you everything about sushi
Aspiring sushi chefs in the country will have the opportunity to refine their craft through the World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025 which is slated from Feb. 5 to 7 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.
Japan’s surrounding seas — with its unique current — is home to a diverse marine life that produces fresh, high-quality seafood that shaped the country’s food culture and created a culinary export that people from all around the world now enjoy and recognize.
JETRO executive vice president Katsunori Nakazawa will welcome attendees.
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 is 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.
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.
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. Successful participants will receive the Sushi Proficiency Certificate issued by