The Japan Fish Certification Association (located in Koto-ku, Tokyo) will be holding the “2026 Japan Fish Certification ‘Totoken Online'” from November 3rd (Tue – holiday) to November 9th (Mon) of this year. [Web application deadline: October 20th (Tue) 12:00]
The Japan Fish Certification Exam (nicknamed “Totoken”), which was established in 2010 as a test of knowledge about seafood, aims to help people rediscover the charm of fish, which has nurtured the hearts and bodies of Japanese people, including the rich fish-eating culture and seasonal flavors of various regions throughout Japan, and to support delicious encounters with fish.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the program relaunched in 2022 as an “online certification exam.” Since its first run in 2010, 37,000 fish enthusiasts across Japan, spanning generations from preschoolers to those in their 80s, have taken on the challenge over the past 16 years.
As this will be the final year of the series, in order to expand the last opportunity to take the exam, we have set a one-week exam period for all levels: Level 3 (Beginner), Level 2 (Intermediate), and Level 1 (Advanced). The exams will be held online from home from 10:00 AM on November 3rd (Tuesday, holiday) to 12:00 PM on November 9th (Monday), which is “Good Fish Day”.
We hope that those who take the Japan Fish Certification Exam will become “storytellers of fish” in their homes, workplaces, schools, and dining establishments, and pass on the fish-eating culture of “Japan, the land of fish.”
[Example Level 3 (Beginner)]
This bright red fish, often likened to cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, has long been considered auspicious and deeply captured the hearts of the Japanese people. It has been used in various ways as a symbol of good fortune; choose this fish.
① Salmon
② Thailand
③ Yellowtail
④ Tuna
[Key points for the 2026 Japan Fish Certification Exam]
1. All levels from Level 3 to Level 1 are now easier to take!
This year, the examination period for all levels has been extended! From 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 3rd to 12:00 PM on Monday, November 9th, for 7 days.
You can take the exam at any time that suits you.
You can now take the exam after events related to “Good Fish Day” or after work.
2. We accept applications for both Level 2 and Level 1!
Last chance to get Level 1 certification!
Even those who do not have a Level 2 certification number can take the exam.
*If you are taking the Level 1 exam as your only option, you will need your Level 2 passing certification number from the previous year.
[The “Totoken Official Guidebook” will be released on July 1st, 2026!]
Cover of the “2026 Totoken Official Guidebook”
■2026 Totoken Official Guidebook
“Nippon Fish Gourmet Navi”
• Nationwide fishing port and production area map, local fish dishes
– Fish representing each of Japan’s 47 prefectures – Pride Fish
Markets, restaurants, fisherman’s inns, bento boxes sold at train stations and airports, festivals, and morning markets – all packed into one place.
– An explanation of the fish situation over the past year: 2013-2014 current affairs column
– Understanding the fish season through words
List price: 2,750 yen (tax included)
Published by the Japan Fish Certification Association
Printed book version, full color, 240 pages.
A4 letter size,
on sale July 1, 2026.
[2026 Japan Fish Certification Exam Overview]
■ Examination Dates and Times:
All levels: Level 3 (Beginner), Level 2 (Intermediate), Level 1 (Advanced)
You can take the exam at any time you like during the 7 days from November 3rd (Tue – public holiday) to November 9th (Mon).
■Event format
Online examination at home
■Application Deadline:
October 20, 2026 (Tue) 12:00 PM / Online Application
■Eligibility Requirements:
Level 3 (Beginner) / Level 2 (Intermediate):
Anyone with an interest in fish can take the exam at any level.
*There are no restrictions on age, experience, etc. You can also take the exams for Level 3 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 1.
*For Level 3 (Beginner level), kanji characters will have furigana (phonetic readings).
Level 1 (Advanced): For those who have passed the Level 2 (Intermediate) Japan Fish Examination (A Level 2 certification number is required for applying to Level 1 only).
■Level
3 (Beginner): A beginner level designed for those who want to become more familiar with fish through the discoveries and wonders they experience for the first time.
Level 2 (Intermediate): For general individuals who love fish and consider themselves connoisseurs, as well as those involved in fisheries, distribution, retail, cooking, and food service.
This is an intermediate level course for those who want to delve deeper into the intricacies of fish-eating culture.
Level 1 (Advanced): An advanced level for those aiming for the pinnacle of extensive knowledge about fish and Japanese fish-eating culture.
■Question format
4 multiple choice/100 questions for each level
■ Examination fee (tax included)
Level 3 (Beginner): 5,500 yen / Level 2 (Intermediate): 6,600 yen / Level 1 (Advanced): 8,360 yen
Combined application for Level 3 and Level 2: 10,890 yen [Newly established] Combined application for Level 2 and Level 1: 13,464 yen
*Early bird discounts, student discounts, family discounts, and group discounts (5 or more people) are available.
■ Passing score
Level 3: 60 or more correct answers out of 100 questions.
Level 2: 70 or more correct answers out of 100 questions.
Level 1: 80 or more correct answers out of 100 questions.
*The passing criteria for Levels 3 and 2 may be lowered depending on the percentage of successful candidates.
* Candidates taking the Level 1 exam who correctly answer between 70 and 79 questions will be certified as Level 1.
■ How to apply Apply
online Payment methods are credit card payment or convenience store payment Please apply from
the 2026 Japan Fish Certification Official Website ( https://www.totoken.com/
). ■ Announcement of results
The results will be announced on a dedicated page in late November 2026.
Successful candidates will receive a certificate of passing by mail. Certification cards and business cards are available for a fee.
…
[Example] Answer
② Thailand
With its exquisite appearance and flavor, sea bream is an indispensable ingredient in the world of Japanese cuisine. Despite being a white-fleshed fish, it has a deep flavor and can be enjoyed in various dishes such as sashimi, salt-grilled, clear soup, simmered dishes, and sea bream rice.
…
[Organizer Overview]
■Name: Japan Fish Certification Association
■Location: 3-12-5-503 Furuishiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo
■Established: September 4, 2009
■Representative Director: Masakazu Oyama
[Contact information for this press release]
■Name: Japan Fish Certification Association
■Phone number: 080-7096-6339 (Oyama)
■E-mail: info@totoken.com
[Contact information for applications and certification exams]
■Secretariat: Japan Fish Certification Management Office
〒101-8691 Japan Post Co., Ltd., Kanda Post Office, P.O. Box 133
■Telephone number: 03-6632-5853 (10:00-17:00, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays)
■E-mail: totoken@kentei-uketsuke.com
