The Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association (located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Eiji Fukui) will hold the "4th National Strawberry Championship" on February 4th (Wednesday) and 6th (Friday), 2026, to determine the most delicious "spring strawberry" as selected by vegetable sommeliers.
With a record-breaking 438 entries from across Japan—far exceeding last year's 375 entries—the competition will be held across two venues in Tokyo and Osaka over two days to accommodate the increased number of entries and ensure more rigorous evaluation!
Vegetable sommeliers serving as evaluators will conduct blind taste tests, concealing all information about origin, variety, and producers, to judge the flavor and determine the most delicious "spring strawberry." The results will be announced on February 10th (Tuesday)!
About the Strawberry Championship
The Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association conducts strawberry tasting competitions under three categories: "Christmas Strawberry Championship," "National Strawberry Championship," and "Summer Strawberry Championship."
Since strawberries have a long harvest season spanning from winter to early summer, the competitions are held three times throughout the year in response to requests from many strawberry farmers. The February event is positioned as the "spring strawberry" category under the National Strawberry Championship.
The "1st National Strawberry Championship" Grand Gold Prize went to "Amarin" from Hiro Farm (Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture). The "2nd National Strawberry Championship" Grand Gold Prize also went to "Amarin" from Ichikawa Strawberry Farm (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture). At the "3rd National Strawberry Championship," from a total of 375 entries, "Amarin Kiwami" from Kumehara Farm, 8th Generation Miyuki Kumehara (Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture) won the Grand Gold Prize, marking three consecutive years of Grand Gold Prize wins for Saitama Prefecture's strawberry "Amarin."
Which strawberry will claim the Grand Gold Prize this time is highly anticipated!
- 1st National Strawberry Championship Website: https://www.vege-fru.com/wp-content/uploads/vege-fru.com/doc/nw/2023/feb/
- 2nd National Strawberry Championship Website: https://www.vege-fru.com/event/summit/2024/feb/
- 3rd National Strawberry Championship Website: https://www.vege-fru.com/event/summit/2025/feb/
3rd National Strawberry Championship Grand Gold Prize Winning Strawberry
Amarin Kiwami / Kumehara Farm, 8th Generation Miyuki Kumehara (Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture)
Evaluator Comments:
- "The sweetness lingers endlessly. It's unbelievable that this is a fresh strawberry—the ultimate peak of sweetness."
- "Rich, concentrated sweetness all the way to the stem! A single berry is a reward in itself."
- "The aroma is incredibly rich—it smells delicious! Large strawberries often have bland flavor, but this one has concentrated sweetness and gorgeous taste."
Producer's Points of Pride:
"I've conducted numerous taste comparisons, evaluating based on taste, color, and luster, and packaged only the finest elite Amarin berries. These are supreme berries. I strive to ensure that whoever eats them will remember the experience and want to eat them again."
Contact:
4th National Strawberry Championship Details
The 4th National Strawberry Championship will be held over two days at both [Tokyo Venue] and [Osaka Venue].
Event Date: February 4th (Wednesday), February 6th (Friday), 2026
Venues:
[Tokyo Venue]
February 4th (Wednesday) Hotel Metropolitan 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
〒171-8505 3F "Cassiopeia," 1-6-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
https://ikebukuro.metropolitan.jp/access/
February 6th (Friday) Toyosu Market (Produce Building) 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
〒135-0061 Produce Building 2F Conference Room, 6-5-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
https://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/info/0
[Osaka Venue]
February 4th (Wednesday) and 6th (Friday) Hotel Hanshin Osaka 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Hotel Hanshin Osaka 10F
〒553-0003 5-6-16 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/hs/hanshin/access
Judges: Certified vegetable sommeliers
Evaluation Method: Completely blind taste evaluation
Awards: Grand Gold Prize / Gold Prize / Silver Prize / Bronze Prize / Entry Prize
Results Announcement: Press release scheduled for February 10th (Tuesday)
Special Website: https://www.vege-fru.com/event/summit/2026/feb/
Entry Requirements:
- All strawberry producers nationwide and anyone involved in strawberry sales
- Must be able to provide strawberries for evaluation
- Variety: No restrictions
- Quantity: 25 to 30 berries
- Serving method: Fresh consumption
- Approximately 15 vegetable sommeliers will taste about 1 berry each per entry
Media Coverage:
For coverage or observation requests, please contact the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association Produce Championship Office.
Contact: summit@vege-fru.com, 03-6278-8456, Weekdays 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
About the National Produce Championship
The National Produce Championship is a tasting competition where "vegetable sommeliers"—professionals in vegetables and fruits—select the most delicious produce. The competition aims to recognize and promote valuable, delicious fruits and vegetables to the public, supporting producers and contributing to the revitalization of Japanese agriculture. Winning recognition can increase awareness, expand sales channels, and boost sales. Feedback from vegetable sommeliers is provided to participants, which can be utilized for future product development.
URL: https://www.vege-fru.com/event/seika/
What is a "Vegetable Sommelier"?
A Vegetable Sommelier is a specialist who acquires knowledge about vegetables and fruits and can communicate their appeal and value to society. The mission of a Vegetable Sommelier is to serve as a bridge between producers and consumers. Currently, many people are pursuing this qualification for career advancement and career changes, to benefit their own health as well as that of family and friends, and to contribute to society.
(Total course participants: 72,091 as of the end of March 2025)
