Panel

2026

Quality Awards Jury:
Olive Oil Analysis Experts​

The judging team for the JOOTA AWARDS Quality Award is composed of tasters and panel leaders who have been selected as top experts from Japan and overseas to perform quality evaluation and sensory analysis of olive oil.
In major olive oil producing countries such as Europe and the Mediterranean countries, olive oil specialists called “tasters” (and the panel) certified by governments and public organizations are responsible for sensory analysis of olive oil in order to protect the quality of olive oil.

The Japan Olive Oil Taster Association has true experts who have been trained in accordance with the formal regulations of its international standards of IOC and is working to improve the quality of olive oil and contribute to the development of the olive culture and industry.
As a specialist institution that evaluates olive oil quality to the world standard in Japan, we maintain a neutral and impartial position and build a network with institutions, organizations and experts around the world.
Because our association is an organization based on such activities, top experts in quality evaluation gather to achieve high-level judgement.

Giulio Scatolini

Italy

Alfonso Fernández

Spain

Himeyo Nagatomo

Japan

Yuji Matsuto

Japan

Akiko Iguchi

Japan

Sekiyo Mizuno

Japan

Hazuki Nonaka

Japan

Mizuki Yamanaka

Japan

Takahide Watanabe

Japan

Yuki Okamoto

Japan

Special Awards Jury:
Industry Professionals

The JOOTA Awards special prize is judged by top industry professionals, including chefs and distributors. These experts select the best extra virgin olive oil from each perspective and give special prizes. Through this selection, we will create a deeper value in the Japanese market for extra virgin olive oil and the people that make it great.

Chef's Awards Judges

Celebrated Top Chefs

Yohei Abe

InterContinental Tokyo Bay
Italian Dining Zillion Chef

https://www.interconti-tokyo.com/zillion/

Mateu Villaret

MASIA
Chef / Owner

https://masia.jp/

Yuki inoue

RISTORANTE LA BISBOCCIA
LA BISBOCCIA TOKYO Inc.
Chef / Director

https://labisboccia.tokyo/

Takanori Tanaka

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL OSAKA, VIGNETTE COLLECTION
Restaurant Chambord
Grand Chef / Restaurants Chef

https://www.rihga.co.jp/

Tomoki Yamada

CONRAD OSAKA Executive Chef

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/osacici-conrad-osaka/

Ryuta Shiogai

THE OSAKA STATION HOTEL,
Autograph Collection
Executive Sous Chef

https://osakastation-hotel.jp/

Akinori Matsumoto

NIHONSHU LAB. MATSUMOTO
President

https://www.instagram.com/nihonshu_lab_matsumoto/

Department Store Buyers' Awards Judges

There are High quality, Elegance, Luxury, Tradition…
From the most famous and largest Japanese Department Stores.

Koichi Kamimura

TAKASHIMAYA CO., LTD.
MERCHANDISING HEADQUARTERS
FOODS DIVISION MERCHANDISER

https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/

Shutaro Bando

Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd.
Merchandising Group Ⅰ
Promotion Merchandising Division
Foods Assistant Buyer

https://www.imhds.co.jp/corporate/index_en.html

Luxury Supermarket Buyers' Awards Judges

Top Elite buyers of Luxury Supermarkets that handle high-quality products.

Takamasa Oono

Food Craft Co., Ltd. (OONOYA / Oonoya Shoten)
Sales Division
 Executive Officer Deputy General Manager

https://foodhouse-oonoya.co.jp/

Tadayuki Iwasaki

Shinanoya Shokuhin
Manager&Buyer

https://shinanoya.co.jp/

Ayaka Hatasa

MI FOOD STYLE CO. LTD QUEEN'S ISETAN
Merchandise Management Division
Merchandise Department
Grocery Group Assistant Buyer

https://www.im-food.co.jp/

Fumiaki Maruoka

Maruoka Corp., Ltd. President

https://www.e-maruoka.jp/

Masashi Miyajima

WELCOME Co., Ltd
DEAN & DELUCA DIVISION
MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT CHIEFBUYER

https://www.welcome.jp/brands/dean_and_deluca

*Titles, affiliations, and honorifics of the Special Awards judges are as of the time of judging.   

全く新しいコンセプトの
コンペティション

あなたのオリーブオイルは、愛情をたっぷりと注がれ生み出された、唯一無二の尊い存在です。

さあ、JOOTA AWARDSとともに、日本市場、世界市場の扉を開きましょう。

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