Japan Kappodo Institute
Press Release
2025/10/06
Launch of “KELP” Kappodo E-Learning Programs, Enabling Acquisition of the “Bronze” Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine, accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry œand Fisheries, starting December 1, 2025.
As an official organization authorized under the “Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries” program by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Japan Kappodo Institute will launch its independently developed Kappodo E-Learning Programs — “KELP.” Starting December 1, 2025, the institute will offer courses and online proficiency exams for the “Bronze” level of this certification. In conjunction with this, the institute will begin recruiting KELP course members from around the world on November 1, 2025, making it possible for foreign nationals to obtain the Bronze certification for Japanese cuisine chefs entirely online. Furthermore, to address the global shortage of professionals in the Japanese culinary field, the institute will simultaneously recruit supporting members for Kappodo from individuals and organizations both in Japan and abroad. By providing licensing rights for KELP, we will support the development of Japanese cuisine chefs in various countries.
The Japan Kappodo Institute (Location: 2-21-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takashi Kobayashi) is a certifying body for the “Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries,” accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and was officially certified in 2023 by the Japanese Cuisine and Food Culture Promotion Institute (Chairman: Yoshihiro Murata). After approximately two years of development, creating 65 original Kappodo video tutorials and the “KELP” Kappodo E-Learning Programs for those aspiring to become Japanese cuisine chefs abroad, KELP will finally launch on December 1, 2025. In line with this, the institute will begin recruiting KELP course members from around the world on November 1, 2025. Through a combination of KELP, a “Bronze Certification Preparation Course,” and the “Kappodo Online Salon,” we have made it possible to efficiently obtain the Bronze certification 100% online.
The 65 original video tutorials, designed to enable the acquisition of the “Bronze” certification solely through KELP, are structured based on the “Guidelines on the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries.” These original Kappodo videos were filmed using five 4K ceiling-mounted cameras installed in our institute’s main dojo. The foundation of the KELP curriculum is based on “Introduction of Japanese Cuisine,” published by the Japanese Culinary Academy, and reflects the essence of “handmade Omakase and Kappo cuisine made with love,” cultivated by our founder, Jun Kurogi. The 65-volume series, supervised by Kappodo, is equivalent to the content required for obtaining a chef’s license in Japan.
The content is suitable not only for foreign nationals but also for Japanese individuals seeking to obtain the Kappodo Shodan (first-dan) rank. It teaches detailed techniques and principles that would normally require years of training in a traditional restaurant. Furthermore, students gain access to the “Kappodo Online Salon” and can receive advice for obtaining the Bronze certification from Kappodo instructors and Scram members who have already achieved Bronze or Shodan ranks, through “Kappodo Dan Rank Preparation Courses” held at the main dojo and streamed online.
The instructor for all 65 video tutorials is Mr. Yusuke Kawamoto, a Kappodo Shihan-dai (assistant master instructor) and knife specialist known as “Oiri.” He is also the Guinness World Record holder for katsuramuki (as of Autumn 2025). Through his outstanding and delicate technical guidance, students can also learn fundamental knowledge, including Japanese expressions necessary for cooking.
[Obtainable Qualification]
This is a system by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to certify foreign Japanese cuisine chefs who possess the appropriate knowledge and skills, and who can disseminate the appeal of Japanese food and food culture abroad. Within Kappodo, the same curriculum is used to certify the “Kappodo Shodan” rank for both Japanese and foreign nationals. For Japanese chefs, understanding the world of internationalized Washoku in English is also a significant management skill for the future. Our institute certifies the “Bronze” level among the Gold, Silver, and Bronze certifications using KELP.
[Bronze Curriculum Content]
・Handling Vegetables in Japanese Cuisine (25 videos, Technical Section)
・Handling Fish in Japanese Cuisine (14 videos, Technical Section)
・The Essence of Japanese Cuisine (26 videos, Knowledge Section)
・Soup Bases and Seasoning, Knives and Cooking Utensils, Food Sanitation, etc.
[Bronze Certification, Materials, and Provided Tools]
-Kappodo Online Course KELP viewing rights (viewing fees are separate)
-Participation rights for Kappodo Dan Rank Preparation Courses and Dojo practical sessions, and live stream viewing rights (participation fees are separate)
-Kappodo Online Salon (included in monthly membership fee)
-Three types of Kappodo original Japanese knives (provided at a special member price)
-Kappodo original Japanese tool set (provided at a special member price)
-Fee of first Bronze/Dan rank exam (course fees are separate)
-Bronze certificate (included in course fee)
-Bronze medal (included in course fee)
[For Japanese Cuisine (Washoku) Fans Worldwide]
In addition to the Advanced “Cooking Skills Bronze Certification” course and exam, the highest qualification available through KELP, we will simultaneously launch other courses. These include the introductory “How to Enjoy Kappo Cuisine in OMAKASE” course for global Washoku fans; the Fundamental “Kappodo Home Cooking” course to cultivate skills for making Washoku at home; and the Intermediate “The Essence of Kappo: Fish, Vegetables, and Japanese Cuisine” course to master professional-level cooking techniques and the essence of Japanese cuisine. We aim to nurture everyone from “eaters” to professional “creators” at home, targeting both Japanese and global fans of healthy Washoku and OMAKASE Kappo cuisine.
The mission of our institute is “to wish for the health of people around the world through the popularization of homemade and Kappo cuisine made with love.” Since “Washoku: Traditional Dietary Cultures of the Japanese” was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, over 200,000 Japanese restaurants have opened worldwide, and in 2024, the number of inbound tourists to Japan reached approximately 37 million. It is expected that many more people will experience Japan’s healthy food culture, and the global fanbase for Washoku will continue to expand.
In an era where mass-produced food culture is becoming mainstream, our institute is committed to “homemade cuisine that utilizes natural ingredients and is made with love,” and our mission is to pass on the essence and techniques of this food culture to the world. Since Jun Kurogi established “Kappodo” in July 2020, we have continued our awareness activities. In addition to providing the multilingual “How to Enjoy Kappo Cuisine” textbook free of charge worldwide, we will continue to foster understanding and development of Kappo cuisine globally through NPO activities such as teaching children about Japanese knives and food, and promoting culinary skills through events like the Katsuramuki Competition.
[Kappodo Member Recruitment]
With the establishment of two types of courses—one for chefs and one for eaters worldwide—we will begin recruiting various types of members centered on KELP participation from global fans of Washoku and Kappo starting November 1, 2025.
① Kappodo Fan Member (Free / For Washoku & Kappo Fans)
Targeted at gourmet enthusiasts, home cooks, aspiring professional chefs, those in the knife and kitchen tools industry, food industry professionals, and Washoku fans. Members can obtain the Introductory “How to Enjoy Kappo Cuisine” exam for free and take free KELP courses.
Membership Requirement: Registration
② Kappodo Scram Member (Free / Individual)
Existing Bronze, Silver, or Gold certification holders and members of Japanese cuisine-related organizations who support Kappodo will be awarded an honorary Dan rank and title. They will be invited to participate in various Kappodo activities as instructors or in other professional capacities.
Membership Requirement: Online application and board resolution
③ Kappodo Regular Member (Paid / Individual, Corporation, Establishment)
Home cooks and aspiring professional chefs can fully access KELP, the “Kappodo Dan Rank Preparation Course,” the “Kappodo Online Salon,” and all educational programs at the main dojo. Graduates of the introductory “How to Enjoy Kappo Cuisine” exam and gourmet enthusiasts can also join, participating in practical experiences like dojo dinners, tasting events, and certified restaurant tours.
Membership Requirement: Registration
④ Kappodo Supporting Member (Paid / Individual, Corporation, Establishment)
For those who support the philosophy and activities of Kappodo. We provide human resource development support services to individuals, corporations, and organizations, such as restaurants, culinary schools, and HR companies in Japan and abroad facing challenges in developing Japanese cuisine talent, by offering KELP usage licensing rights.
Membership Requirement: Board resolution
⑤ Kappodo Honorary Member (Free or Paid / Individual)
Individuals recognized by the institute for special contributions to the popularization of Kappodo’s philosophy. They take on roles in cultural and educational initiatives. Includes master knife artisans, Kappo-related specialists, instructors, cultural figures, and celebrities. Membership Requirement: Board resolution
⑥ Kappodo Dojo Partners
We are recruiting franchisees to open dojos, limited to two companies per country, to promote global expansion.
[Admission and Monthly Fees]
Kappodo Free Member: No admission fee or monthly fee (Full access to the introductory “How to Enjoy Kappo Cuisine” exam)
Kappodo Paid Member: Billing per course taken (Full access to all services)
■ Individual Membership Fee: Admission fee 20,000 JPY; Monthly fee 770 JPY/month (Annual payment 6,600 JPY)
■ Corporate Membership Fee: Admission fee 50,000 JPY; Monthly fee 5,000 JPY/month (Annual payment 50,000 JPY)
■ Kappodo Bronze Certification Course Fee (Available after registering as a paid member)
・Video Learning Material Fee: 33,000 JPY (Valid for one year)
・Examination & Certification Fee: 33,000 JPY (Please contact the office for details)
[How to Join]
Fill out the free membership application form on the website (kappodo.com) → Free member registration → Confirmation and approval by the office → Membership process complete, member benefits begin → Paid member registration → Payment of fees → Paid membership process complete, paid member benefits begin →
(The 20,000 JPY admission fee will be waived for the first 100 paid members or for one year until the end of October 2026.)
[Kappodo Main Dojo / Kitchen Studio Facilities]
■ Dual Battle-Style Kitchens (1F & 2F)
・Both floors feature two island-style professional kitchens and are fully equipped with a wide range of cooking utensils (gas stoves, teppan grills, large sinks, two convection ovens, refrigerators, etc.).
■ 240-inch Large LED Monitor (6m wide)
・An ultra-large screen at the front can be used for various purposes, including video calls with remote locations, background displays, and video productions.
■ Professional Filming and Streaming Equipment (7 Remote 4K Cameras)
・Seven ceiling-mounted Canon CR-N300 4K PTZ remote cameras are installed (on each floor) and can be centrally operated from a control console (RC-IP100). Filming is possible from any angle, including overhead shots and close-ups of hands.
■ Professional Lighting System
・Equipped with 8 LPL VL-8550FXP units (ceiling rail mounted), 2 Aputure Amaran 300C units, and a “Spyder CHECKER” color temperature adjustment tool. Video quality and color tones can be freely adjusted.
■ Digital Operation Environment
・3F: A control room is fully equipped to manage recording, editing, sound mixing, and streaming.
・Dedicated studio engineers and cooking assistants are available to provide support.
■ Communication and Streaming Platform
・High-speed dedicated line with guaranteed bandwidth for Wi-Fi and wired LAN connections (upload speed approx. 760 Mbps), supporting live streaming.
[About the Japan Kappodo Institute]
Location: DKB (D Kitchen Bldg.), 2-21-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 Established: July 22, 2020
Directors:
Representative Director: Takashi Kobayashi
Director & Founder: Jun Kurogi
Director & Head of Curriculum: Kan Nakaya
Director & Chairman of Kappojin-kai: Ukon Koga
Director & International Marketing: Kazutaka Ueno
Director & Contents Producer: Yutaka Yamamoto
Director & Store Development: Kazuhisa Fujita
[Main Business Activities]
1. Kappo Cuisine Promotion (NPO)
・Holding the Kappodo Olympics (Katsuramuki Competition, etc.)
・Distributing various Kappo-related materials (“How to Enjoy Kappo Cuisine,” etc.)
・”Introduction to the Essence of Japanese Cuisine” sessions for international children
2. Kappo Chef Training
・KELP Kappodo Online Courses
・Main Dojo Certification Preparation Courses
・Main Dojo Live-Streamed Courses
・Kappodo Workshops (Sushi, Dashi, Sashimi Knife, and other cooking classes)
3. Kappodo Certification
・Official certifying body for the “Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries”
・Kappodo Dan Rank Certification
・Kappodo Recommended Restaurant Certification
4. Kappodo Member Community (Membership)
・Online Consultation Room (Kappodo Knowledge Base)
・Kappodo Tours (Visiting Kappo restaurants, production areas, and observing knife ceremonies)
・PR video and still photography for members by a dedicated cameraman
5. Sales and Services (Kappodo Brand)
・Sales of institute-selected products such as knives, whetstones, cooking utensils, and tablewares
・Sales of institute-selected products such as sake, seasonings, rice, and kombu
・Sales of institute-selected ingredients such as fish, meat, and vegetables
・Providing events such as Nodate Kappo (outdoor tea ceremony-style cuisine) gatherings and knife ceremony viewing tours during the Niinamesai (Harvest Festival)
6. Human Resource Services
・Worker dispatch and employment placement services (Licenses: Haken 13-317202, 13-Yu-316421)
7. Rental Studio Management (TOKYO D KITCHEN STUDIO) (Includes businesses outsourced to Mitsuboshi Co., Ltd., for activities 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7)
[Contact Information]
Organization Name: Japan Kappodo Institute
Contact Person: Hiromi Yamaguchi, Administration Office
Main Phone: 050-1721-6838
Email: front@kappodo.com
URL: https://kappodo.com/
