Entertainment · Books & Arts · 54 mins ago
Japan names first living national treasure candidates in traditional cuisine
Japan has recommended two people as its first living national treasures in traditional cuisine as it tries to protect traditional food and sake-making skills.
The candidates are Kyoto chef Eiichi Takahashi and sake brewer Naohiko Noguchi, who are 87 and 93.
Their crafts face a shortage of successors, linked to lifestyle changes and Japan’s shrinking population.
A 2017 survey found that many related organizations were concerned about aging and falling membership.
The recognition system was expanded in 2025 to include lifestyle culture, and officials hope it will help pass skills to younger generations.
Interest in Japanese food has grown globally, and Kyoto hopes the recognition will support its appeal to visitors seeking culinary experiences.
Japan has recommended Eiichi Takahashi and Naohiko Noguchi as its first living national treasures in traditional Japanese cuisine.
The recognition is intended to encourage younger generations to carry on culinary traditions facing a shortage of successors.
Takahashi, 87, is associated with Kyoto restaurant Hyotei, while Noguchi, 93, is a sake brewer.
Japan’s culinary traditions face pressure from lifestyle changes, an aging workforce and a shrinking population.
- Who
- Eiichi Takahashi, a chef at Kyoto restaurant Hyotei, and sake brewer Naohiko Noguchi.
- What
- They were recommended as Japan’s first living national treasures in traditional Japanese cuisine.
- When
- Recently, according to the article published on November 15, 2026. The recommendation date is not stated.
- Where
- Japan; Takahashi is based at Hyotei in Kyoto.
- Why
- The recognition is hoped to encourage younger generations to carry on the traditions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Washoku and traditional dietary cultures of Japan were added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
Japan listed culinary culture under the “revival of lifestyle culture” provisions of its Basic Act on Culture and the Arts.
The government established a registration system for intangible cultural properties.
Japan expanded eligibility for the system to include “lifestyle culture.
Japan recommended Takahashi and Noguchi as its first living national treasures in traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Takahashi
- 87; associated with Kyoto restaurant Hyotei
- Noguchi
- 93; sake brewer
- First recognition
- Japan’s first living national treasure candidates in traditional Japanese cuisine
- UNESCO listing
- Washoku and traditional dietary cultures of Japan were added in 2013
- Kyoto visitors
- 12.68 million inbound tourists in 2025
What people are saying
gives all involved in traditional sake brewing hope and courage
skills honed over many years to be passed on to the next generation
shaped the identity and form of Kyo ryori
It's important for people to gain a broader understanding of the fulfillment found in this work, as well as the facets of the industry itself.