8-month program immerses chefs in Japanese food culture

Non-Japanese chefs who want to learn the country's cuisine and sushi preparation are getting a rare chance to do so through an eight-month program through the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It even picks up most travel, training and accommodation costs. 

A news release said the training program consists of Japanese language training and basic Japanese culinary training followed by practical restaurant training in Japanese cuisine and sushi preparations. In exchange, participants are expected to promote "Japanese cuisine, food culture and Japan-produced ingredients throughout the world."

Information about applying for the program by May 15 is available online at http://www.tow.co.jp/program/, while the program itself runs from July 1 this year through February 2019. Applicants must be non-Japanese citizens over 18 by July 1, who've graduated from culinary schools or had experience working in Japanese cuisine kitchen. Language proficiency in English and/or Japanese is also required, along with long-term plans to professionally work in positions that involve Japanese cuisine.