The Japan Kappodo Institute is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Katsuramuki Competition—a festival of skill celebrating the art of Katsuramuki!
Hosted by the Japan Kappodo Institute, this event aims to promote Japanese cuisine and provide a stage where highly skilled chefs can showcase and be evaluated on their craft. The competition’s executive director is Yusuke Kawamoto (also known as “Knife Chef Oiri”), the Guinness World Record holder for Katsuramuki and a master instructor at our Institute.
A day where passion is sharpened to a razor’s edge. We await the hands of a master. Register now.
Event Overview
- Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Location: Japan Kappodo Institute (Nishiazabu, Tokyo; Nearest Station: Omotesando)
- Divisions:
- Amateur Division: First Place Prize: ¥30,000
- Pro Division: First Place Prize: ¥50,000
Schedule
- 13:00-13:20: Registration / Amateur Division Prep
- 13:20: Opening Remarks
- 13:40: Amateur Division Competition Begins
- 14:00: Time’s Up / Judging / Pro Division Prep
- 14:40: Pro Division Competition Begins
- 15:00: Time’s Up / Judging
- 15:20: Results Announcement / Awards Ceremony
- 15:40~: Post-Competition Get-together
Competition Rules
Winning Condition: The competitor with the highest total score wins.
Basic Rules:
- Any type of knife is permitted.
- Competitors must use the daikon radishes provided by the organizers.
- Competition Time: 20 minutes.
- Daikon must be trimmed and peeled before the start time.
- You may restart as many times as you like during the competition.
- Only one knife may be used during the competition. (However, sharpening your knife during the competition is allowed).
- If you are cut: Immediately stop the bleeding and wear a bandage and a glove.
- You may drink water at any time.
- You must use the provided cutting boards (white).
- Earplugs and earphones are permitted.
Daikon Height Requirement:
- Amateur Division: 8 cm or longer
- Pro Division: 10 cm or longer
Evaluation Criteria:
- Scoring: 1 point will be awarded for every 1 cm of continuous length.
- Deductions: 5 points will be deducted for each tear or cut of 2 cm or more.
- Example: A 320 cm peel with 4 tears of more than 2cm would score: 320 – (5 points x 4 tears) = 300 points.
Amateur Division Eligibility
You are not eligible to participate in the Amateur Division if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You hold a certified cooking license.
- You are a current student or graduate of a culinary school.
- You are a professional chef currently working in the industry (part-time work excluded).
What to Bring
- Your knife
- Cloths / Towels
- A ruler (optional, if needed)
Dress Code
Participants are required to wear our official Kappodo uniform (dogi).
Other Information
- Application Deadline: September 30 (via the dedicated form).
- Number of Participants: Limited to 10 people per division. (If applications exceed this number, a preliminary round will be held).
- Participant Announcement: Around October 10 (Selected participants will be notified by email).
- Participation Fee: Free
- Spectating: Reservation required (please use the spectator entry form).
- Judges: Naoya Kumagai (Kappodo Institute Instructor), Takashi Kobayashi (Institute Representative Director).
- Media Notice: Please be aware that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event. Audience members may appear in these media. This content may be used by the Japan Kappodo Institute for live streaming, post-event advertising, and by media outlets (TV, newspapers, magazines, websites, etc.). Your attendance constitutes your consent to be filmed and photographed.
Competitor Registration
◎ To register as a competitor, please use the form at the link below ↓
https://forms.gle/nJeG5bQfRKx43kBr5
Spectator Registration
◎ About Watching the Event in Person
Please note that only competitors are allowed to enter the actual competition venue. Therefore, spectators will be guided to a separate room near the venue to watch the event via a live stream. Additionally, if we receive a large number of applications, attendees will be selected by a lottery. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
◎ Spectators’ Perks
Spectators will also have the opportunity to attend the post-competition social gathering with the competitors. If you wish to attend, please select the “I wish to attend the social gathering” option when you register.
◎ To apply to watch the competition,
please use the link to the dedicated form below ↓
https://forms.gle/8WVfjoGAnGrMoP546
Watch on YouTube LIVE
◎ About the Online Stream
The competition will be streamed live on the Japan Kappodo Institute’s YouTube channel. Even for those who cannot make it to the venue on the day, please by all means watch the exciting competition online. Please visit the live stream page below and click “Set reminder.”
Live Stream URL (Starts November 23 at 13:15 JST) https://www.youtube.com/live/SzWZub_WSW4?si=On6YZbq1PDPAThhR
【photo】Summary of the 2024 First Katsura Peeling Competition
【photo】Summary of the 2024 First Katsura Peeling Competition
【video】Summary of the 2024 First Katsura Peeling Competition
