New & Now
Call for Entries: 4th Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest
The Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest, which was well received during its first three editions, returns for a fourth time.
The contest welcomes creative chanko nabe recipes from cooking enthusiasts, students, groups of friends, families, and other interested applicants.
This contest invites recipes for chanko nabe, a sumo-style Japanese hot pot, made with a wide variety of ingredients and soup bases. Through the contest, Katsuragi City aims to promote the appeal of chanko nabe within and beyond the region, help create a new local specialty, and promote Katsuragi City—the birthplace of sumo—through community-wide efforts.
Application Period
Tuesday, July 21 to Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Applications must be received by September 8, 2026.
Eligibility
Applications are open to organizations, individuals, businesses, students, and others, regardless of professional or amateur status.
Entries from children of elementary school age or younger must be submitted jointly with a parent or guardian.
How to Apply
Complete the required application form and attach a photograph of the dish. Applications may be submitted through the online form, by email, by post, or in person.
4th Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest Guidelines
1. Online Application Form
4th Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest Online Application Form
2. Application by Email
Download and complete the application form for email submissions. Attach a photograph of the dish and send the completed form to the email address below.
Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest Application Form — Email Submission
Email: syoukou-kankou@city.katsuragi.lg.jp
Please use the following exact subject line:
3. Application by Post or In Person
Complete an application form available from the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Promotion Division at Katsuragi City Hall or at public facilities in Katsuragi City. You may also download the postal application form below.
Attach a photograph of the dish and submit the application by post or in person to the address below.
Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest Application Form — Postal or In-Person Submission
Submission address:
Commerce, Industry and Tourism Promotion Division
Industry and Tourism Department
Katsuragi City Hall
166 Kakinomoto, Katsuragi City
Nara Prefecture 639-2195, Japan
Entry Requirements
- The total ingredient cost must not exceed ¥2,500 for four servings.
- The recipe must be easy to prepare within one hour. The one-hour limit includes preparation work such as cutting ingredients and completing other advance preparations.
- The recipe must be an original creation. Commercially available hot pot soup bases and other seasonings that largely determine the final flavor may not be used.
Important Notes
- Only one entry may be submitted per person or group.
- Exact quantities must be provided for all ingredients, including seasonings.
- Application forms and photographs will not be returned. Any costs associated with applying are the responsibility of the applicant.
- Copyright in each submitted work remains with the applicant, while the organizer is granted an exclusive license to use it.
- Submitted entries, particularly award-winning entries, may be featured in promotional materials, on social media, on websites, or shared with media organizations as necessary.
- Entries must not have been previously submitted to or presented in another contest or competition. However, recipes previously entered in the Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest may be submitted again.
Judging Process and Criteria
1. First Round
Approximately six applicants or teams will be selected through a review of the submitted application materials.
2. Second Round
Scheduled date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Venue: Cooking Room, Katsuragi City Central Community Center
Approximately three applicants or teams will be selected for the final round based on cooking and tasting evaluations.
Participants must prepare ingredients for four servings in advance and cook their dish at the tasting venue according to the preparation method stated on their application form.
Judging Criteria
- Presentation: Does the dish look appealing, with an attractive appearance and a good balance of colors?
- Suitability for Large-Scale Preparation: Is the recipe suitable for preparing a large number of servings during the final round?
- Originality: Does the recipe demonstrate creativity and originality?
- Nutritional Balance: Does the dish provide a well-balanced combination of nutrients?
- Use of Local Ingredients: Does the recipe incorporate and make effective use of ingredients from the local area?
Participants are responsible for the cost of the ingredients, cooking utensils, seasonings, and other items used during the second round. The organizer will provide ¥10,000 in cash toward the cost of ingredients and related expenses.
3. Final Round
Scheduled date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Planned venue: Area surrounding Katsuragi City Central Community Center
The winning recipe will be selected through voting by members of the public and a panel of special judges.
During the final round, 300 servings will be prepared. Votes cast by members of the public and special judges will be assigned points, and the entry with the highest combined total will be selected as the winner.
- The organizer will provide standard cooking equipment for the final round. Participants may be required to provide any specialized equipment needed for their recipe.
- The organizer will provide the ingredients for the final round after consulting with the participants. Ingredients will be limited to common ingredients appropriate to the season.
- The organizer will provide staff support on the day, including assistance with cooking.
- Because the dishes will be prepared in large quantities, some steps in the recipes may be adjusted for the final round.
Prize Money
- Winner: ¥50,000
- Runner-up: ¥30,000
- Third place: ¥20,000
Potential Use of Outstanding Recipes
Outstanding recipes may be served as part of meal programs or developed into commercial products.
About the Final Round of the 4th Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest
The final round of the 4th Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Further details will be announced once they have been finalized.
Scenes from the final round of the 3rd Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest
Organizers
Katsuragi City and the Katsuragi City Tourism Association
Contact
Commerce, Industry and Tourism Promotion Division
Industry and Tourism Department
Katsuragi City Hall
- Tel: 0745-44-5111
- Fax: 0745-44-5008
- Email: syoukou-kankou@city.katsuragi.lg.jp
HOME » New & Now » Call for Entries: 4th Kehaya Chanko Nabe Contest
