In April 2026, the TBS Tuesday drama "Toki Sudeni Osushi!?" (roughly translated as "It's Already Sushi Time!?") premiered. The drama follows a 50-year-old woman who dives into the world of sushi after finishing raising her children -- this unconventional storyline has been generating buzz, and the "J.S.F.A Sushi Kentei" (Sushi Certification), hosted by the Japan Sushi Federation Association, makes an appearance in the show.

What Is the TBS Tuesday Drama “Toki Sudeni Osushi!?”

"Toki Sudeni Osushi!?" is a TBS Tuesday drama starring Hiromi Nagasaku. It airs every Tuesday at 10:00 PM.

The protagonist is Minato Machiyama, a 50-year-old woman working at a supermarket. After her children have grown up, a chance encounter leads her to enroll at a "Sushi Academy." There, she meets an eclectic group of classmates: instructor Kaiya Oedo, played by Kenichi Matsuyama; Kurumi Kakinoki (First Summer Uika), a consultant looking to change careers; and Funao Tateishi (Shiro Sano), a retiree embarking on a new challenge -- all from completely different ages and backgrounds.

As the traditional world of sushi craftsmanship intersects with modern, diverse values, each character confronts their own life journey. "Age doesn't matter. You can start something new at any time." That is the message woven throughout the series.

The Scene Where “Sushi Kentei” Appears in the Drama

The Sushi Kentei appears in a scene that serves as a turning point for protagonist Minato's journey into the world of sushi. During a meal with her Sushi Academy classmates, one of them mentions, "There's this thing called the Sushi Kentei, and I'm thinking of taking it." This exchange becomes one of the catalysts for Minato's decision to commit even more deeply to sushi.

It is a memorable scene that symbolizes the growing interest in sushi education and sushi culture in today's era.

What Is the “J.S.F.A Sushi Kentei”?

The "Sushi Kentei" featured in the drama is not fictional. It is a real certification exam hosted by the Japan Sushi Federation Association (J.S.F.A).

Officially called the "J.S.F.A Sushi Kentei," it is the most widely taken sushi-related certification in Japan, testing knowledge about sushi. The exam is structured in three levels: Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1. It attracts a broad range of examinees, from sushi-loving members of the general public to professionals in the food service industry. It has been featured in major media outlets including Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Sankei Shimbun, BIGLOBE, and Urepia Soken.

Its appearance in the TBS drama has further expanded awareness of the Sushi Kentei.

How the Drama Reflects “Sushi Education Today”

What makes "Toki Sudeni Osushi!?" particularly compelling is its choice of a 50-year-old protagonist. In the past, it was conventional wisdom that aspiring sushi chefs should begin their training while young, but this drama directly addresses the modern notion that "you can learn sushi at any age."

This is not confined to fiction. In reality, a growing number of people are becoming interested in sushi regardless of age or career background, and it is no longer unusual for people to transition into the sushi world from entirely different industries. Career changers like the drama's Kurumi Kakinoki, who shifts from consulting, are far from rare in real life.

The options for sushi education are also expanding. In addition to traditional classroom-based sushi schools, online learning environments have begun to emerge. The Japan Sushi Federation Association, which hosts the Sushi Kentei, also serves as the overall supervisor of Sushi Daigaku, a fully online sushi school that has been attracting attention as a service offering systematic instruction in sushi techniques, business management, and more, all for a tuition of 58,000 yen.

Regardless of age, location, or experience, anyone who wants to learn sushi can take that first step. The world depicted in the drama and the reality of sushi education today are closer than you might think.

Drama Information

Related Links

J.S.F.A Sushi Kentei Official Website

Sushi Daigaku Official Website