We are a Silver and Bronze-certified Japanese culinary school for foreigners in Tokyo. Learn authentic Japanese cuisine from professionals in Japan.
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Chef Training Course
By Semi Private
Become a
Certified Japanese Cuisine Chef
Our Motto
We don’t just teach Japanese techniques.
We teach how Japanese chefs transform ingredients into extraordinary cuisine.
Japan Culinary Arts Academy (JCAA) offers professional Japanese culinary training programs in Tokyo, Japan, for aspiring chefs, culinary professionals, and food entrepreneurs from around the world.
JCAA is one of the few culinary schools in Japan offering a pathway to both the Japanese Cuisine Bronze and Silver Certifications under the Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture Human Resource Development Program supported by MAFF, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
What is MAFF?
MAFF stands for Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It supports the certification program for Japanese cuisine and dietary culture.
As of September 30, 2025, a total of 3,618 chefs have been certified worldwide, including 2,377 Bronze, 1,215 Silver, and 26 Gold certification holders.
Unlike many culinary schools in Japan, JCAA does not require Japanese language proficiency. With English-language support throughout the program, students can acquire practical skills, culinary knowledge, and cultural understanding without language barriers.
Whether you are taking your first step into Japanese cuisine through the Bronze Certification Course or pursuing advanced expertise through the Silver Advanced Course, JCAA provides a unique opportunity to learn authentic Japanese cuisine.
Tuition for the Bronze Program starts from USD 6,500 for the 4-week curriculum.
The "Silver Certification" is a credential awarded to chefs who demonstrate advanced proficiency in Japanese cuisine.
It is the second level of the three-tier certification system established by the Japanese government and is held by a limited number of chefs worldwide. Silver-certified chefs are recognized for their deeper knowledge of Japanese culinary techniques, food culture, and professional cooking skills beyond the Bronze level.
MAFF Silver Certification
MAFF Bronze Certification
The"Bronze Certification" is a credential awarded to chefs who demonstrate proficiency in Japanese cuisine.
It is part of a three-tier certification system established by the Japanese government to ensure proper knowledge and skills in preparing authentic Japanese food, especially for chefs working outside Japan. The three levels are: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Foundation Level
COURSE DETAILS | SILVER | BRONZE |
|---|---|---|
Target | Experienced Professional Chefs | Beginners & Professional Chefs |
Duration | JCAA Training + 3-Week Tokyo Mastery Program | 2-Week Intensive or 4-Week Course |
Training Hours | 220 Hours* | 80 Hours |
Training Style | Advanced Hands-on Training | Hands-on Training |
Class Size | Max. 3 Students, Usually 2 | Max. 3 Students |
Language Support | Included* | Included* |
Curriculum | See curriculum below | See curriculum below |
Certification | MAFF Silver Certification | MAFF Bronze Certification |
Examination | Practical + Written | Practical + Written |
Course Fee | USD 21,000 including Bronze Certification Training* | USD 6,500 |
*Silver training hours: 220 hours total, including Bronze, Silver, and restaurant training.
*Language Support includes: English interpreter, English textbook, and English recipes.
*Silver Only: USD 13,000
Available for students who already hold a MAFF Bronze Certificate from another institution.
What’s Included in the Course package
The course fee includes the essential training support and materials needed for your program.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✓ Visa
✓ Professional Hands-on Training
✓ English Interpreter
✓ English Textbook
✓ English Recipes
✓ Uniform Rental
✓ Equipment Rental
✓ Knife Rental
✓ Practical & Written Examination
✓ MAFF Certification Support
✓ Graduation Certificate
NOT INCLUDED
• Accommodation
• Airfare
• Transportation
• Daily Meals
• Personal Insurance
Certification Course Curriculum
Advanced Level
Eligibility
Students who have successfully passed
the Bronze Certification Examination.
Duration
・11weeks (220 Hours total, including Bronze, Silver, and restaurant training.)
・Monday to Friday
Advanced Training Contents
1. Advanced Fish Treatment
2. Kaiseki Cuisine
3. Shojin Ryori — Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
4. Regional Cuisine — Local Japanese culinary traditions
5. Advanced Techniques
6. Tea Ceremony & Japanese Cultural Activities — Tea ceremony, Shodo calligraphy, Kendo, and other cultural experiences
7. Restaurant Training — Customized according to your goals and needs
8. Seasonal Menu
Ideal for
-
Professional chefs
-
Culinary educators
-
Future Japanese cuisine specialists
-
Chefs seeking advanced MAFF-recognized certification
Silver and Bronze Certification
Silver and Bronze Certification
Silver Certification Ikejime training
Silver Certification Training
Silver Certification Cultural activity training
Bronze Certification Training Fish treatment
Semi-Private Learning,
Maximum Support
Our chef training course values the quality of the whole course.
Small class sizes mean more personal guidance and deeper learning with our expert instructors.
Student Voice
Silver Graduate Interview
Hear directly from a certified chef about his experience at JCAA.
2025 Silver Certified Student
Bronze Graduate Interview
Q. What did you think about the course length?
" It was not long enough since there were so much more to learn, but I learned a lot. I'm still not settled, but it was a very good experience."
Q. Are you thrilled to go back home and meet your family?
"I am, but it's a bittersweet feeling because I want to stay here longer but then I have to go home. I would love to come back again and it was really nice meeting all the instructors, staff, and classmate. It was a really good experience and thank you making it so warm and comfortable."
- 2025 Bronze Certified Student K
What are your goals?
Past Students' Goals
Our Japanese Cuisine Bronze Chef Training Course is planned every session according to the students' goals.
What are your goals?
We will listen to your goals and support you in making the best out of the lessons.
Your satisfaction is our priority.
Culinary professionals seeking
MAFF Gold Certification in the future
Operating a catering service with Japanese street foods.
Expanding menu variations for clients.
Opening a Japanese Cuisine Restaurant with authentic and fusion menus.
