Publication date:

06/23/2023

Description of the article from “MOF Museum Nagoya”:

Article about a new Best Craftsman of France from Japan with Satoshi Sekimoto mentioned as a pioneer.

Translation of the article:

Japanese Chef Wins French Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Award

On June 20th, Kenichiro Sekitani achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF), which translates to “Best Craftsmen in France,” at the Sorbonne University in Paris. This is a significant achievement for an Asian chef.

Kenichiro Sekitani, MOF Award Winner, shared his experience:

“In preparation for the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competition, it is crucial to methodically perfect each task independently.”

The MOF competition, initiated in 1924, aims to recognize and honor craftsmen with exceptional skills in various artisanal trades in France. Lucien Crozet, a journalist and art critic, originally proposed the idea in 1913, but due to the outbreak of World War I, it was postponed until after the war, with the first competition taking place in 1924. Initially, until the mid-1960s, the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France were selected through a nomination system and showcased their work in exhibitions. However, from the 1960s onwards, the competition became the primary selection method, with candidates scoring above a set threshold receiving the MOF qualification. In the culinary category for 2022, eight chefs received the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France title, a relatively rare occurrence, highlighting the exceptional culinary talent in various regions of France.

The title Meilleurs Ouvriers de France is often abbreviated as “MOF” and is recognized as a prestigious distinction. It encompasses over 200 different artisanal trades, and if there are no suitable candidates in a particular trade for a given year, the title may remain unawarded. The competition is held every three to four years.

The Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competition is highly esteemed and academic in nature, administered by the organization COET-MOF, primarily under the supervision of the French Ministry of Education. Those who attain the MOF title in France are granted the equivalent of a university degree, along with two years of higher education.

Besides Kenichiro Sekitani, the other Japanese individuals known to hold the MOF title are:

• Mitsuaki Sasano (Bow Maker for Stringed Instruments)
• Nobuki Hineko (Hat Designer)
• Satoshi Hosoi (Leather Craftsman)
• Satoshi Sekimoto (Embroidery Artisan)

Sekitani’s achievement marks a significant milestone as an Asian chef receiving this prestigious French award.