"Chef-in-Residence" refers to initiatives that welcome chefs from outside the region to promote regional revitalization—an important way to enhance a region's creativity and vitality. We regard traveling chefs as key actors in revitalization and set out the following three conditions as the ideal form of Chef-in-Residence we aim to support. We also work to ensure these activities are carried out sustainably and spread across Japan and all over the world.
Rather than being limited to temporary events, various chefs visit continuously throughout the year, and pop-up restaurants operate on an ongoing basis, bringing sustained vitality and fresh excitement to the region.
By designing the program not only for tourists but also for local residents to enjoy extraordinary experiences while feeling comfortable to visit, restaurants become places where the community, tourists, and chefs can interact rather than being isolated from the region.
By facilitating interactions with local residents and ingredients, and establishing systems and environments where visiting chefs can naturally connect with the region, contact points between chefs and the community are created beyond just the restaurant.
The Relay Awards
The Relay Awards recognises Kitchen-Residences across Japan and shares what each region has learned. The aim is to make diverse practices visible and help others learn from them.
The first event took place on 1 December 2025 at SHIBAURA HOUSE in Tokyo, recognising seven Kitchen-Residences and one special-award recipient. Entries for 2025 are closed.
Read the event reportTAKE PART
Find out how to take part as a chef, a host region or a supporter.
The Japan Chef-in-Residence Empowerment Association is a nonprofit organisation operated through the pro bono work of its members. You can support the work by learning and sharing, contributing knowledge or skills, or exploring a partnership with us.
Ways to supportContact us about hosting a chef in your region, supporting our activities, or media enquiries. Tell us what you would like to discuss and any timing you have in mind.
Chefs interested in joining can visit Chef Friends.
Open the contact form
The contact form opens in Google Forms.