Cheese Concours organized by MOF Museum Nagoya in Ogaki

At the heart of the three-day program was a cheese competition inviting participants to create artistic and culinary works highlighting cheese in innovative ways. Contestants designed original constructions including sculptures and cheese pyramids showcasing both creativity and technical skill.

A distinctive feature of this edition was the use of both French and Japanese cheeses, illustrating the growing dialogue between the cheesemaking traditions of the two countries as well as the rising quality of Japanese local production. The creations were evaluated by a jury based on two complementary criteria: visual aesthetics and taste quality, emphasizing the balance between artistic expression and gastronomic excellence.

Among the highlights of the event were live demonstrations conducted by Meilleurs Ouvriers de France who traveled from France, including Dominique Bouchait, Meilleur Ouvrier de France cheesemonger and Christian Vabret, Meilleur Ouvrier de France baker. In front of an engaged audience, the artisans created impressive Eiffel Towers made entirely of cheese, demonstrating the precision, creativity, and expertise associated with the prestigious MOF title.

Beyond the competition itself, the event offered a rich culinary experience. Alongside cheese tastings, visitors enjoyed a variety of cheese-based dishes, including cheesecakes, as well as a wide selection of fruits carefully chosen to complement the flavors and enhance the tasting experience.

Following the award ceremony honoring the winning creations, visitors were invited to participate in a collective tasting of the cheese structures prepared during the competition, reinforcing the spirit of sharing and conviviality that characterized the three-day event.

The guests enjoyed a stunning buffet and thoroughly enjoyed the cheese like the vice-mayor of Ogaki, Mr Toyoda who joined us on this beautiful evening.

The event also featured a broader cultural dimension, with activities celebrating French lifestyle and traditions. Petanque tournaments organized near the venue contributed to a friendly and accessible atmosphere, encouraging interaction between Japanese and French participants and visitors.

This competition represents an important milestone ahead of the opening of the Musée des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in Ogaki on April 1, 2026. Supported by the CCIFJ and the City of Ogaki, the future museum aims to become a reference venue for promoting French artisanal excellence in Japan and a lasting symbol of Franco-Japanese cultural cooperation.

The organizers would like to express their sincere gratitude to all institutional and private partners, the participating Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, the competition candidates, and the many visitors who contributed to the success of this event. Their commitment and enthusiasm helped make these three days a meaningful moment of exchange, fully reflecting the richness of cultural and gastronomic ties between France and Japan.

We also extend our heartfelt wishes for the success of the future Musée des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in Ogaki, whose upcoming opening marks an important step in promoting artisanal excellence and strengthening Franco-Japanese cultural relation