Iron Chef

Oct 10, 1993

Oct 17, 1993

Oct 31, 1993

Nov 7, 1993

Nov 14, 1993

Nov 21, 1993

Nov 28, 1993

Dec 5, 1993

Dec 12, 1993

Dec 19, 1993

A special battle for Christmas. The challenger is a winner of the prestigious MOF award in France. The Iron Chef is the first Iron Chef French, Yutaka Ishinabe. This is the only Ishinabe episode, and the only episode from the first year broadcast on Food Network. Judges: Yasuo Tanaka (Novelist), Mai Kitajima (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Jan 9, 1994

Jan 16, 1994

Jan 23, 1994

Jan 30, 1994

Feb 6, 1994

Feb 13, 1994

Feb 20, 1994

Feb 27, 1994

Mar 6, 1994

Mar 13, 1994

Mar 20, 1994

Mar 27, 1994

Apr 8, 1994

Apr 15, 1994

The challenger is the first to come from Kyoto. Kyoto-style cuisine has a 1,200 year tradition. The challenger was picked by the chairman of the Kyoto Chefs Association. He decided to become a chef way back in elementary school after receiving a knife from his grandfather. Takahashi, "Kyoto style cuisine is basically mild. It is light in flavor. So I have confidence in controlling flavors at a very fine level." Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Apr 22, 1994

Sakai must face a former apprentice. Which will prevail - Sakai's traditional methods or Nakagawa's nouveau "third wave" style? Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Apr 29, 1994

Commentator Dr. Hattori issues a challenge to Michiba and is rewarded with an incredible secret ingredient. Judges: Joel Robuchon (Chef), Mai Kitajima (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

May 6, 1994

Italian chef Hiromi was a legend. After beset by personal tragedy and financial ruin, he seeks redemption in Kitchen Stadium. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Politician), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

May 13, 1994

Sakai faces the first sushi master in a fish battle for the ages. Judges: Daijiro Hashimoto (Governor of Kochi), Mai Kitajima (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

May 20, 1994

Hot-flame Chinese cuisine is the challenger's specialty. Judges: Yasushi Akimoto (Music Producer), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

May 27, 1994

It's a rematch from the World Chinese Cooking contest. Kiyoshi won 3rd, but Chen won 2nd. This time it's war. Judges: Yasushi Akimoto (Songwriter/Producer), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Jun 3, 1994

Fermented soy beans are the featured ingredient in this battle between two master chefs. The challenger is a certified Maestro of the the Japanese Cuisine Seminar Group, a Japanese chefs organization that has over 20,000 members. Michiba is also a certified Maestro and the leader of the group. Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Ristuko Tanaka (Actress), Masaaki Hirono (Rosanjin Scholar)

Jun 10, 1994

Kandagawa brings his apprentice to kitchen stadium for a sweetfish battle.

Jun 17, 1994

Sea Urchin provides a young chef the chance to revolutionalize Chinese cooking. Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Jun 24, 1994

The challenger has been the top chef at one of Japan's 3 star French eateries. Judges: Kazuyoshi Okuyama (Director), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Jul 1, 1994

The challenger is a nomad. He's worked in 200 plus restaurants, so cooking in the new environment of Kitchen Stadium is no challenge. Judges: Toshio Yamaguchi (Politician), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Jul 8, 1994

Knife skills will be put to the test in battle tuna. The challenger carries one of the longest knives in Japan. Despite his father being against it, the challenger began to apprentice at age 17. He is well versed in Tea Ceremony dining. He is now head chef at a restaurant visited by many Japanese Prime Ministers. He has chosen to battle Michiba because he does not like the way the Iron Chef uses non-traditional ingredients in Japanese dishes. The theme ingredient cost approximately $10,000. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Politician), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Jul 15, 1994

Shimizu is a sous chef at the world famous Tour D'Argent. Both chefs appreciate the quality of these expensive lobsters. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Shyoko Tamura, Masaaki Hirano

Jul 22, 1994

Paul Bocuse sends two trusted apprentices to take not one, but two, iron chefs. This is the first time two Iron Chefs have been in Kitchen Stadium at the same time. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Politician), Kazuko Katoh (Actress), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano

Jul 29, 1994

Aug 5, 1994

Kandagawa sends another apprentice to take down the Iron Chef in this slippery battle eel. If this challenger does not defeat Michiba, Kandagawa himself will come to Kitchen Stadium to challenge the Iron Chef. Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Aug 12, 1994

Still smarting from his challenger's defeat in Sea Urchin Battle, leading gourmet writer Masuhiro Yamamoto sends another contender - Koyama, who is so popular he is a recurring character in a cooking-themed manga.

Aug 19, 1994

Chen faces the second female chef in kitchen stadium. She is a television icon to many Japanese housewives. Both chefs enjoy fame. One's an Iron Chef, the other hosts a popular cooking show. Spuds will fly in battle potato.

Aug 26, 1994

Considered the bad boy of French cooking, Keiji takes on Michiba in a battle of culinary rebels. The challenger earned the nickname Hound Dog after a 2 hour argument with Joel Robuchon about his food. He has over 10,000 recipes written down in French. He writes in French, thinks in French, and even says he dreams in French. Judges: Yasushi Akimoto (Song Writer), Julie Dreyfus (Actress),Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Sep 2, 1994

Aguri Suzuki (Race car driver) and Ukyo Katayama (Race car Driver) recommend the hybrid French-Italian challenger. Osako is a heavyweight contender out to challenge Iron Chef Chinese in this mushroom battle.

Sep 9, 1994

The challenger is a German-born French cuisine specialist. The challenger has traveled through numerous countries collecting recipes and cooking for VIPs. Will his deficiency in the Japanese language hinder his cooking? Judges: Shigesato Itoi (Copy Writer), Kazuko Katoh (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Sep 16, 1994

Hiroi is a Nouvelle French Chef set to battle cutting edge Japanese master Michiba.

Sep 23, 1994

Kitchen stadium becomes a temple of food as for the first time a Buddhist Priest enters for Battle: Yam

Sep 30, 1994

Chen must face a man who was his father's trusted apprentice. When they both prepare his father's signature dish, who will win?

Oct 7, 1994

Sakai attempts to use a traditional "Japanese" ingredient in his French cuisine

Oct 14, 1994

The 50th battle in Kitchen Stadium. The challenger is the best in Hong Kong and considered one of the top three chefs in all of China. He says he has never lost in a competition he has entered. Can he keep his winning streak going in Kitchen Stadium? Judges: Shigesato Itoi (Copy Writer), Ryuichi Sakamoto (Composer), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

Oct 21, 1994

Oct 28, 1994

The challenger, a great Italian talent, was thought to have disappeared. He makes his return in a surprise kitchen stadium appearance.

Nov 4, 1994

Michiba attacks a rising young apprentice from his hometown who critics have nicknamed "Little Michiba", in this angler assault. He uses the borderless cooking approach that made Iron Chef Michiba successful. Because of the time required to filet the theme fish, this battle is 15 minutes longer than usual. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Lower House Member), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

Nov 11, 1994

Nov 18, 1994

An actor known for his cooking skills wants a chance to see what it is like to battle in Kitchen Stadium. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Lower House Member), Hisoko Monda (Actress), Masaaki Hirano (Rosanjin Scholar)

Nov 25, 1994

Quail is the perfect secret ingredient...for the challenger. Can Sakai compete against this master of wild game cooking?

Dec 2, 1994

This challenger is the right hand man of famous chef Zhou Tomitoku. He won the bronze medal at the All China Cooking Skills Contest, beating out 300 other chefs. Noodle Battle Special Rule: Challenger will cook for 60 minutes, then tasting. Iron Chef will cook for 50 minutes, then cook for his final 10 minutes after challenger tasting is completed. Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

Dec 9, 1994

The challenger is a favorite of the manager of the Yakult Swallows baseball team. He is the chef at the hotel where they stay when they come to Osaka to play the Hanshin Tigers. He was once the head chef at the Japanese embassy to Morocco. He is skilled at preparing Cajun food. Many members of the Yakult Swallows are present to watch the battle. Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Dec 16, 1994

Christmas day brings a strawberry battle and a female competitor. Sakai has a poor track record against women competitors. Will victory be his Christmas present?

Dec 23, 1994

The three battles that make up the "Mr. Iron Chef 1994" tournament. Four challengers battle each other and the winner faces an Iron Chef in the first episode of the next year.

Jan 2, 1995

The winner of the Mr. Iron Chef 1994 tournament takes on an Iron Chef.

Jan 6, 1995

The first challenger of 1995. The challenger heads a restaurant with seating for only 6, but it has hosted entertainers and even Prince and Princess Mikasa. He apprenticed at one of the oldest restaurants in Japan.

Jan 13, 1995

Yamada left Tokyo University to train as a chef under honourary Iron Chef Ishinabe. Sakai has his mentor in the audience. Diverse factors influence this beet battle.

Jan 20, 1995

Jan 27, 1995

Kondo is the 4th woman challenger to take on Sakai. This time the dessert battle is best suited for Valentine's Day.

Feb 3, 1995

Acclaimed chef Toshiro Kandagawa sends the only female chef he has ever taught into Kitchen Stadium.

Feb 10, 1995

The challenger is the head chef at a restaurant that Iron Chef Michiba himself dines at frequently. Judges: Tamio Kagayama (Novelist), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

Mar 3, 1995

Feb 24, 1995

Sakai faces a challenger known as "Mr. Gourmet." Komine is a world-class vegetable chef, who feels right at home with the secret ingredient.

Mar 17, 1995

The challenger makes magical noodle dishes. He is one of only 100 chefs to have received recognition as a High Class Technician. He is the youngest to have qualified for that license. He once headed the kitchen at the Chinese State Guesthouse. He is now the head chef for a hotel in Japan. Judges: Machi Tawara (Poet), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Shinichiro Kurimoto (Fmr Lower House Member)

Mar 10, 1995

The challenger is the first pizza expert to enter kitchen stadium. What pizzas can he create from squid?

Mar 17, 1995

Shigeo Yuasa uses shocking cooking techniques. His use of test tubes and litmus paper make him seem like a scientist, not a chef. Can Sakai prevail in this new age battle?

Apr 21, 1995

Two hour special featuring Michiba vs. Shu Chu in Battle Spiny Lobster and Chen vs Ron Waikei in Battle Pork

Apr 7, 1995

The Kobe earthquake could not shake this talented female chef, and now she will fight an Iron Chef.

Apr 14, 1995

Apr 21, 1995

May 19, 1995

Former challenger Kandagawa sends Keisuke to do his bidding. Egos, reputations, and the championship are all on the line. This challenger is the 6th one sent to Kitchen Stadium by Kandagawa. Kandagawa is angry at Michiba for some comments the Iron Chef made about him. The challenger is the head chef of one of the Kandagawa restaurants. He has watched 6 battles from the royal box in Kitchen Stadium, so he is very familiar with what it takes to win. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Politician), Chizuru Azuma (Actress), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

May 26, 1995

May 12, 1995

Old versus new French cuisine, Club Mistral versus Club des Trentes--a complicated battle deserves a high end ingredient.

May 19, 1995

May 26, 1995

How will the challenger (the king of sauces) deal with broccoli? Doc Hattori says his sauces are amazing. He even says he wishes he could take on all three Iron Chefs at once. Can he defeat one? Judges: Mayuko Takata (Actress), Toshiki Kaifu (Fmr PM-Japan), Sachiyo Kaifu (Wife), Yasushi Akimoto

Jun 2, 1995

Jun 9, 1995

Jun 16, 1995

The challenger is the top apprentice of the Mother of Chinese cooking in Japan. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Fmr Lower House Member), Chizuru Azuma (Actress), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

Jun 23, 1995

Jun 30, 1995

Jul 28, 1995

Jul 14, 1995

Jul 21, 1995

Jul 28, 1995

Aug 4, 1995

Aug 11, 1995

The challenger is the head chef in Kyoto. He has mastered the style of Ikama-school of culinary arts. To separate his restaurant from the other more traditional restaurants in the area, he began creating new dishes with local ingredients. He is among the top young chefs in Kyoto. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Politician), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Aug 18, 1995

Tag Team Battle! Two Iron Chefs vs 2 Italian Brothers in the battle of the tomato. After growing up in Italy, these brothers started their own restaurant in Tokyo. It is so popular that you must make reservations up to 6 months in advance. Judges: Yasushi Akimoto (Songwriter), Hideki Saijo (Singer), Asako Kishi (Culinary Critic)

Aug 25, 1995

Sep 1, 1995

Bruant returns to Kitchen Stadium to give the Chairman an ultimatum - if he wins, he must replace Sakai as Iron Chef French.

Sep 8, 1995

The challenger is the head chef at a members only Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. He watches the Iron Chef episodes that air on TV in California. (Pre-Food Network IC days.) He was born in Los Angeles, but he went to Japan to live with his grandparents when he was 6 months old. He was part of a comedy duo in his teens, but he had to give that up. And while he is an American, he wishes he could be a chef in Japan. The theme ingredients cost about $4,000. Judges: Junichi Ishida (Actor), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Sep 15, 1995

Oct 28, 1995

Nov 3, 1995

Nov 10, 1995

Nov 17, 1995

The challenger is one of the best in Japan at Fujian-style cooking. He opened the first Fujian-style restaurant in Japan. He is also a sixth-degree black belt in karate. Judges: Nagisa Ohshima (Director), Yoshiko Ishii (Singer), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Nov 24, 1995

Overtime Battle to Potato Battle After 60 minutes of battle, the scores are tied at 71. This may have been the first overtime battle in Kitchen Stadium. Judges: Nagisa Ohshima (Director), Yoshiko Ishii (Singer), Mayuko Takata (Actress), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Nov 3, 1995

Nov 10, 1995

Nov 17, 1995

100th challenger special

Nov 24, 1995

Dec 1, 1995

Dec 8, 1995

Dec 15, 1995

Dec 22, 1995

1995 Mr. Iron Chef tournament round 1

Jan 3, 1996

1995 Mr. Iron Chef tournament round 2 (part 1)

Jan 5, 1996

1995 Mr. Iron Chef tournament round 2 (part 2)

Jan 12, 1996

Jan 19, 1996

Jan 26, 1996

Feb 2, 1996

Feb 9, 1996

St. Valentine's Day chocolate-and-pear dessert battle

Feb 16, 1996

As the Chairman seeks out a new Iron Chef Japanese, Toshiro Kandagawa boasts he can offer a challenger that could replace Iron Chef French.

Feb 23, 1996

Mar 1, 1996

In Nakamura's inaugural battle as Iron Chef Japanese II, he faces the head chef of Auberge de Suzuki in Seijo.

Mar 8, 1996

Mar 15, 1996

Mar 22, 1996

Rematch battle for chef Lin Kunbi.

Mar 29, 1996

Chen's opponent has been knighted in France as the Cavalier of Cheese, and is an expert in salad. Can he prevail?

Apr 5, 1996

Chairman Takeshi Kaga travels to battle the great chefs of France - witness as Iron Chef French #2 (Hiroyuki Sakai) and Iron Chef Japanese #2 (Koumei Nakamura) battle to defend the honor of Iron Chef and the Gourmet Academy

Apr 12, 1996

Chairman Takeshi Kaga travels to battle the great chefs of France - witness as Iron Chef French #2 (Hiroyuki Sakai) and Iron Chef Japanese #2 (Koumei Nakamura) battle to defend the honor of Iron Chef and the Gourmet Academy

Apr 19, 1996

Apr 26, 1996

The new chef of Akasaka Rikyu demonstrates his distinctive Hong Kong cooking skills.

May 3, 1996

May 10, 1996

Morikawa's restaurant, Cay, is said to have pioneered Thai food in Japan. His patrons include Stephen Hawking and Yoko Ono. Can Chen beat him at his own game?

May 17, 1996

May 24, 1996

The challenger is the chief instructor of culinary skills at Hattori Nutrition College and was recommended by Dr. Hattori to be the new Iron Chef Japanese after Michiba retired.

May 31, 1996

Jun 7, 1996

The challenger is one of the three best chefs in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. His restaurant has won numerous awards at national competitions. He will be the first challenger from Hokkaido to do battle in Kitchen Stadium. He opened his award winning restaurant at the age of 27. Judges: Takenori Emoto, Hisako Manda, Yukio Hatoyama, Asako Kishi

Jun 14, 1996

Jun 21, 1996

Jun 28, 1996

Jul 5, 1996

Jul 12, 1996

Jul 19, 1996

Jul 26, 1996

Aug 2, 1996

Aug 9, 1996

Aug 16, 1996

Aug 23, 1996

The challenger was personally trained in California Cuisine by the legendary Wolfgang Puck. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Chizuru Azuma, Ichiro Zaitsu, Asako Kishi

Aug 30, 1996

The challenger is a famous comedian in Japan. He is also known to be one of the most skilled chefs among entertainers. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Keiko Saito, Ichiro Zaizu Asako Kishi

Sep 6, 1996

Sep 13, 1996

Sep 20, 1996

Oct 4, 1996

The challenger leads the kitchen of a hotel on the island of Okinawa. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Kazuko Kato, Hideki Takahashi, Asako Kishi

Oct 11, 1996

Features chefs from each region with a battle between Son vs. Chen.

Oct 18, 1996

Oct 25, 1996

Nov 1, 1996

Nov 8, 1996

Nov 15, 1996

The challenger is the head of a very successful restaurant in New York. The New York Times gave his restaurant 3 stars. His grandfather is Japanese, and spent a lot of time talking to young Wayne about the culture of Japan. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Mayuko Takata, Tekenori Emoto, Yukio Hattori

Nov 22, 1996

The challenger is the head chef for several hotel kitchens. He lives near the largest fishing seaport in all of Japan. He uses his speed in the kitchen to overcome his small stature. He is known as Ushiwakamaru. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Nagisa Katahira, Tenmai Kanoh, Asako Kishi

Nov 29, 1996

The challenger is the owner/chef at a restaurant known as a favorite of Japanese author Shusaku Endo. He trained in France for five years before returning to Japan. He was unhappy with the direction of French cuisine in Japan, so he opened his own restaurant. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Megumi Ooishi, Takao Horiuchi, Asako Kishi

Dec 6, 1996

Dec 13, 1996

Dec 20, 1996

Dec 31, 1996

New Year's Special: 100 judges taste osechi (new year food)

Jan 10, 1997

Jan 17, 1997

The challenger is the 25-year-old son of a prominent Chinese cuisine chef whose restaurant "Kochouran" in Kobe was demolished during the huge earthquake back in 1995. It's been 2 years by the time they taped this, and the chairman, while disappointed that the chef of Kochouran permanently quit the business when his restaurant was destroyed, was pleased to find the chef's son as the head chef of Canton Shuka "Ten" in Kobe. Kaga's theme announcement expressed confidence that Kobe was indeed building its "pillars" or foundations firmly after the disaster. The word for "pillar" in Japanese is "hashira". This immediately brings to mind "kai-bashira" (shell-pillars, a common idiom for the adductor muscle of bivalves). But not just any kaibashira - no, they had to be the most prized "kaibashira" in Chinese cuisine - dried scallops, also known as ganbei or conpoy. Judges: Eimoto Takinori (Baseball?), Megumi Oishi (Newscaster), Zaitsu Ichiro (Actor?), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Jan 24, 1997

The challenger is the head chef of a London restaurant that was established in 1798. He is a master of Gibier (wild game) cuisine. Only four months after this episode originally aired in Japan, Chef Kennedy died after a fall in his restaurant.

Jan 31, 1997

It is only the second overtime battle in the history of Kitchen Stadium. The chefs used most of the supplies and ingredients in the first battle, so they must be creative during this 30-minute overtime cook-off.

Feb 7, 1997

Feb 14, 1997

The challenger is Premier Chef in China. He is an expert in Fujian Cuisine. This is a battle between two outstanding Chinese chefs.

Feb 21, 1997

Club Mistral is back with yet another challenger for Sakai. Shimada trained in France for 5 years before returning to Japan. He hopes to show that the new generation of French chefs in Japan is ready to take over. Can Sakai fight back the challenge?

Feb 28, 1997

Mar 7, 1997

Mar 14, 1997

Mar 21, 1997

Mar 28, 1997

Apr 11, 1997

This battle does not have a theme ingredient, but it does have a theme. Hanami, or flower viewing, is the theme of this battle. The challenger is a Chinese chef. He heads a Chinese restaurant with a long history. The tasting area is set up outside under the Sakura. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Asano Yuko, Eiji Bando, Masumi Okada, Asako Kishi

Apr 18, 1997

Apr 25, 1997

The challenger is a woman who specializes in the cuisine of Spain. This is a very close battle that is decided by one point. Judges: Tenmei Kano, Minako Tanaka (Actress), Tsurutato Kataoka (Actor), Asako Kishi (Critic)

May 2, 1997

The challenger trained under the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse. (I think he may have been the first Japanese chef that Bocuse trained.) Judges: Tenmei Kanoh (Photographer), Sayuri Ishikawa (Actress), Sanshi Katsura (??), Asako Kishi (Critic)

May 9, 1997

The challenger was once a chef at Nadaman, the restaurant where Nakamura currently works. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Kishimoto Kayoko, Hideki Takahashi, Asako Kishi

May 16, 1997

Despite having had challengers from around the world, Chairman Kaga had not welcomed a chef from Australia. The challenger is the owner/chef at Indigo. She began her training at age 19. At age 31, she opened her own restaurant. She wants the world to know that Australian cooking is more than just prawns on the barbecue and beer in the hand. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Chizuru Azuma, Masaki Kanda, Asako Kishi

May 23, 1997

Kitchen Stadium has been open for a little more than three and a half years. The last of the original Iron Chefs is Iron Chef Chinese Chen Kenichi. The challenger excels at Shanhai style cooking. He challenger began his training at the age of 15. He feels he is the best Japanese Shanghai style chef. What better ingredient for competing styles of Chinese cuisine than the Chinese delicacy Pitan (thousand-year egg)? Judges: Tenmei Kanoh, Lisa Junna, Chai Ran, Joji Yamamoto

May 30, 1997

The brother of the challenger did battle against Chen in a Swordfish battle two years earlier. It is an Italian vs. French battle. Judges: Tamio Kageyama (Novelist), Keiko Saito (Actress), Tatsuo Umemiya (Actor), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Jun 6, 1997

The challenger is the number two man at one of Kandagawa Honten, the main restaurant of Toshiro Kandagawa. He is only 27 years old. Judges: Emoto Takenori, Reiko Takashima, Tsurutaro Kataoka, Asako Kishi

Jun 13, 1997

Debut battle of Iron Chef Italian Masahiko Kobe. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Masumi Okada (Actor), Kazuko Katoh (Actress), Asako Kishi

Jun 20, 1997

The challenger lives on the Izu Peninsula, west of Tokyo. It is a region known for its hot springs and abundant fish. Of course, his dishes are full of the flavors of the sea. Judges: Shinichiro Kuriimoto, Akiko Yano, Kunihiko Mitamura, Asako Kishi

Jun 27, 1997

The challenger is a top chef from Hong Kong. He has won many cooking competitions. Judges: Tenmei Kanoh, Saya Takagi, Chai Lam, Asako Kishi

Jul 4, 1997

The challenger trained in France, but he now specializes in Vietnamese cooking. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Keiko Saito, Hideki Takahasi, Asako Kishi

Jul 11, 1997

The challenger started training to be a chef at the age of 15. He earns praise from both Iron Chef Chen and Dr. Yukio Hattori. The Chairman calls him the future of Chinese cooking in Japan. Judges: Takenori Emoto, Megumi Oishi, Yasosuke Bando, Asako Kishi

Jul 18, 1997

The challenger is a sushi chef from Yokohama who is a favorite of famous athletes and entertainers. He entered the sushi world at age the age of 16. Chairman Kaga calls him a sushi artisan. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Kayoko Kishimoto, Ichiro Zaitsu, Asako Kishi

Jul 25, 1997

This is the second battle in Kitchen Stadium for the new Iron Chef Italian, Masahiko Kobe. He lost his first time in action, and the Chairman wants to see if he has what it takes to win as an Iron Chef. The challenger has cooked for many famous celebrities. He began cooking at age 13. He headed the kitchen at a hotel restaurant in Italy before leaving to head a restaurant in Japan. He arrived in Japan just two months before this battle. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Hitomi Takahashi (Actress), Sunplaza Nakano (Musician), Asako Kishi (Critic)

Aug 1, 1997

The challenger is the fourth sent by Club Mistral to take on Iron Chef Sakai. The chef operates a restaurant in Ginza. I think the ladies of Ginza really like his dishes. It has been three years since Club Mistral sent their first challenger to Kitchen Stadium. We will have the theme ingredient again that was used by the chairman Miyamoto. Milk is the theme and the Chairman arranges for two cows to be brought into Kitchen Stadium so the chefs can have the freshest possible theme ingredient. Judges: Takenori Emoto, Naomi Kawashima, Takao Horiuchi, Asako Kishi

Aug 8, 1997

It is summertime, and Chairman Kaga wants to celebrate with a summer festival. The Iron Chefs are divided into two teams: Asia Team (Chen and Nakamura) and Europe Team (Sakai and Kobe). Kaga asks, What theme do I choose for a dream tag match? That summer fruit. Watermelon. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Keiko Saito, Tatuo Meidaka, Asako Kishi

Aug 15, 1997

It is time for the Obon Festival in Japan. (It traditionally takes place in mid-August) The challenger is a buddhist monk who prepares vegetarian meals. She is the younger sister of the challenger from Season 2, Sakai vs. Sotetsu Fujii in the Yam Battle Judges: Tenmei Kanoh, Harumi Inoue, Kotaro Satomi, Asako Kishi

Aug 22, 1997

Aug 29, 1997

The challenger is the number one French chef on Kyushu. He opened his own restaurant at the age of 26. Judges: Tenmei Kanoh, Senri Yamabuki, Tetsuya Bessho, Yoshiko Ishii

Sep 5, 1997

The challenger is the number one French chef on Kyushu. He opened his own restaurant at the age of 26. The previous battle between these two chefs was declared a no contest by The Chairman. Judges: Tenmei Kanoh, Hiroko Moriguchi, Gitan Ootsuru, Yoshiko Ishii

Sep 12, 1997

The challenger has declined many invitations from Chairman Kaga to do battle in Kitchen Stadium. He heads a French restaurant in Aoyama, Tokyo. He trained in top restaurants in France. It’s a French on French battle as Toshiyuki Nakajima takes on Iron Chef Sakai in Battle Beef Cheek. To add to the tension, apparently Sakai’s restaurant is not far from the challenger’s.

Sep 26, 1997

This challenger is the youngest ever to enter Kitchen Stadium. At the young age of 22, she already heads the kitchen of a bustling Chinese restaurant in Tokyo. She was only 7 when she began helping her father in the kitchen that she eventually took over. She feels that a chef’s job is more important than that of a doctor. Once again, Chen is called upon to take on a female challenger.

Oct 3, 1997

The challenger’s restaurant is often visited by Crown Prince Akihito, Princess Masako and Princess Kiko. He started his culinary training at the age of 15. He became a head chef at 24. The Chairman spent 1 million yen on the theme ingredient for these young chefs. (That’s a little over $12,000 now, about $8,200 back then.)

Oct 10, 1997

1997 "World Cup" tournament in Arashiyama. Liu Xikun vs. Nakamura (Beef) and Alain Passard vs. Patrick Clark (Homard Lobster). The winners face each other in a Foie Gras Battle.

Oct 17, 1997

Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto, Yoshizumi Ishihara, Keiko Saito, Asako Kishi

Oct 24, 1997

Oct 31, 1997

Iron Chef Kobe is the Prince of Pasta. His challenger tonight is the Prince of Chinese cuisine. Judges: Tenmei Kanoh, Kazuko Kato, Koki Mitani, Chieko Honma

Nov 14, 1997

Nov 21, 1997

Nov 28, 1997

Dec 5, 1997

Dec 12, 1997

Dec 19, 1997

Dec 26, 1997

Jan 9, 1998

Jan 16, 1998

Jan 23, 1998

Jan 30, 1998

Feb 6, 1998

Feb 13, 1998

Nakamura's final fight is with Hattori Yukio in Battle Tuna.

Feb 20, 1998

Nakamura's final fight is with Hattori Yukio in Battle Tuna.

Feb 27, 1998

Morimoto’s debut as an Iron Chef brings a difficult challenger—Yukio Hirayama.

Mar 6, 1998

Mar 13, 1998

Pinchiorri, the perfectionist, was a female chef in the 70's who combined French and Italian cooking techniques. Iron Chef Kobe was her apprentice. Angelo Paracucchi was also working to revolutionize Italian cooking. His star pupil, Mario Frittoli, is a master chef and today's challenger. These 2 students of Italian masters will face off in battle broccoli.

Apr 4, 1998

The challenger is a master at using oils in his Chinese cooking. This is Morimoto's second battle. Can the secrets of Chinese cuisine beat the innovations of Iron Chef Japanese?

Apr 10, 1998

Tomoji Ichikawa is a French superchef in Japan. He has traveled and trained extensively in France under Pierre Troisgros. Iron Chef French will have his hands full in this battle, specially designed around Wedgewood china. Judges: Shinichiro Kurimoto (Fmr House Member), Kuniko Asagi (Actress), Masumi Okada (Actor), Kazuko Hosoki

Apr 17, 1998

The challenger is a Master Chef hailing from Kyoto. He, like most Iron Chefs, combines traditional knowledge with cutting edge technique and flavors to create exquisite dishes. He has the support of former Iron Chef Michiba and Dr. Yatori. Can the Iron Chef win this battle?

Apr 24, 1998

The challenger is a seafood expert: he chooses and cooks gifts from the sea masterfully He has apprenticed in the top kitchens of Japan. Which competitor will find the soul of the sea?

May 1, 1998

The challenger is a stubborn chef descended from a long line of Tokyo dwellers. Restaurants run in his family. Iron Chef Japanese will have his hand's full facing such a strong tradition. It's traditional Japanese versus neo-Japanese cooking.

May 8, 1998

The challenger is one of the few Mexican food specialists in Tokyo. He opened the first restaurant dedicated to Latin cuisine. He specializes in authentic Mexican food, rather than American versions of Latin cuisine. This is a Latin duel in Kitchen Stadium

May 15, 1998

Andre Pachon is the leader of the French Chef community in Japan. Several of his apprentices have already appeared, but this time Pachon sends his number one man.

May 22, 1998

The younger sibling of the Liang brothers, rulers of Cantonese cuisine in Japan, faces Iron Chef Chinese.

May 29, 1998

Battle Arum Root.

Jun 5, 1998

The challenger is a woman who knows what she likes. As an elite culinary critic, she also trained at Cordon Bleu and at Taillevent, an elite French restaurant in Paris to better understand cooking. Iron Chef will have his hands full in the Battle: French.

Jun 12, 1998

Former Iron Chef Michiba decides that Morimoto needs some helpfinding his feet in Kitchen Stadium, so he recruits his number one sous chef from his own days in Kitchen Stadium. Kenichi Miyanaga knows the Stadium well. Can the new Iron Chef prove his worth?

Jun 19, 1998

Japan's culinary media is dominated by today's challenger, a food critic, musician, and graphic artist. The son a of a famous chef and former challenger, Kentaro is determined to make a name for himself in Kitchen Stadium.

Jun 26, 1998

Jul 3, 1998

Morimoto fights a traditionalist chef who fills his dishes with nostalgia.

Jul 10, 1998

Jul 17, 1998

Dubbed the scientist of cooking, the challenger has studied Italian, French and Japanese techniques for over 17 years. He is even praised by culinary critic Asako Kishi.

Jul 24, 1997

Jul 31, 1998

Aug 7, 1998

Aug 14, 1998

Aug 21, 1998

Aug 28, 1998

Part 1 of 2: Chen and Sakai gain partners, as Kaga demands a french vs Chinese showdown. The chairman also surprises everyone with 3 theme ingredients. Pork, Snapping Turtle and Banana

Sep 4, 1998

Sakai vs. Chen. Each have a special partner chef assigned by Kaga in a French vs. Chinese showdown.

Sep 11, 1998

Sakai battles the "conjurer of garlic".

Sep 18, 1998

Sep 25, 1998

Led by Tadamichi Ohta, the chef who defeated Sakai, the Ohta faction invades Kitchen Stadium to uphold traditional Japanese cuisine. Fuji is Ohta's first contender against Morimoto.

Oct 2, 1998

Tasaki is a world champion sommelier who always dreamed of becoming a famed chef. Chairman Kaga decides to grant him his wish.

Oct 9, 1998

An American chef enters Kitchen Stadium for a lobster battle.

Oct 16, 1998

The first female challenger in Kitchen Stadium, the 26 year old Kagata defeated Chen Kenichi. Years later, after studying under Chef Shimamura at the Royal Park Hotel and opening her own restaurant, she returns to fight Chen again with milk-fed veal.

Oct 23, 1998

One month ago, the Ohta faction "invaded" Kitchen Stadium to fight Morimoto with traditional Japanese cuisine. Their leader, Tadamichi Ohta, now sends a second challenger.

Oct 30, 1998

Nov 6, 1998

Nagayama was brought in to revive the venerated Tokyo University restaurant Shochiku, and now his old-and-new style will go against an Iron Chef.

Nov 13, 1998

Chen defends his honor in this Bok Choy battle.

Nov 20, 1998

The challenger likes to follow one of the philosophies of Rosanjin: 'never kill the natural flavor of the ingredient.' He is known as the Prince of Japanese cuisine. He is extremely picky about the ingredients he uses. The theme ingredient costs about $150/kg ($68/lb). This is a battle between the Prince of Japanese cuisine and the Prince of Pasta.

Nov 27, 1998

By the age of 13, Molinari was already a chef at a 3-star restaurant. Now, cultures clash in this mushroom battle.

Dec 4, 1998

Dec 11, 1998

This octopus showdown has everyone up in arms.

Dec 18, 1998

Dec 25, 1998

For the 1998 Christmas day battle, the contender is the successor of Alain Chapel, a successful 3 star restaurant owner. Side Note : Christmas is not a holiday in Japan, people still have to work that day.

Jan 8, 1999

Jan 15, 1999

Jan 22, 1999

Jan 29, 1999

Toshiro Kandagawa is not happy with the results from the Ohta Faction challengers so far. Two have tried to defeat Morimoto, and two have failed. Ohta responds by choosing a challenger that is skilled at using salt. This challenger first met Ohta when he was only 15. Eight years later, he was one of Ohta's favorite cooks. He feels that salt is essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Will the third time be the charm for the Ohta Faction.

Feb 5, 1999

The Royal Park Hotel's Grand Chef Mitsuo Shimamura's last two proteges defeated the Iron Chefs. Iio is Shimamura's right hand man, and his strongest yet to enter Kitchen Stadium.

Feb 12, 1999

Feb 19, 1999

Feb 26, 1999

Mar 5, 1999

The first hour of the Morimoto Retrospective: Michiba & Morimoto tour New York City

Mar 12, 1999

The second hour of the Morimoto retrospective.

Mar 19, 1999

Mar 26, 1999

Apr 2, 1999

Apr 9, 1999

While Japanese cuisine tends to tradition-bound. This challenger refuses to be bound by old rules. He respects the basics, but is always looking for new ways to expand. He entered cooking at the age of 18. He joined a group with a 178-year tradition in Edo-style cooking.

Apr 16, 1999

A master of Roman cuisine devotes himself to proving that his Italian cuisine is better than the Iron Chef's.

Apr 23, 1999

Morimoto faces the newest challenger from the Ohta faction, who want to prove that the Iron Chef and his innovative cooking methods are too bizarre. The challenger relies on saki to add traditional flavors.

Apr 30, 1999

The Cod Roe battle ended in a tie, leading the chefs to battle with green onions (scallions).

May 7, 1999

The Kihachi sends its third challenger into Kitchen Stadium. So far the Iron Chefs have been successful against these well trained chefs. Can Chen continue the winning streak against Takeshi Okubo?

May 14, 1999

The Iron Chef must face an authentic French chef who is endorsed by some of the top culinary experts of the day. The battle mimics the Sopexa, the most famous French culinary battle in Japan.

May 21, 1999

The Iron Chefs have been on a losing streak. The Chairman brings in an up and coming chef who could prove to be very dangerous indeed.

May 28, 1999

Japanese Iron Chef Emeritus Michiba and Japanese Iron Chef Morimoto travel to Indonesia

Jun 4, 1999

Japanese Iron Chef Emeritus Michiba and Japanese Iron Chef Morimoto travel to Indonesia

Jun 11, 1999

Osada is the head chef of Nangoku-shuka, the Chinese restaurant that brought shark fin soup to Japan. The Prince of Pasta shows up to battle the newest challenger in this Chinese versus Italian battle.

Jun 18, 1999

The secret ingredient isn't an ingredient at all, but actually a style. The chairman, however, gives the chefs five themes to focus their sushi: tuna, kohada, anago, eggs, and kanpyo.

Jun 25, 1999

As Sakai battles thoughts of retirement, the rare ingredient is an equalizer between two powerful chefs who were friends in middle school.

Jul 2, 1999

A Canadian superchef was inspired by an episode he watched. He brings his fine French cuisine to battle Morimoto.

Jul 9, 1999

Michiba returns to Kitchen Stadium, this time with his assistant as the competitor he's sponsoring. Yuji Tateno enters Kitchen Stadium prepared to battle an Iron Chef and to change the minds of the world-famous Zagats, culinary experts. What dish will exemplify sea urchin the best?

Jul 16, 1999

Kyoto's Gion festival inspires the Chairman to find a Kyoto cuisine expert. The combatants must create dishes focused on the flavor of the pike conger.

Jul 23, 1999

The two chefs battle it out over jumbo mushrooms. The challenger is a mushroom expert, so Kobe has his work cut out for him.

Jul 30, 1999

In this special episode, the 300th competitor enters kitchen stadium. The chairman has Chen face a French challenger with an ingredient that does not lend itself to his cooking style.

Aug 6, 1999

When the 300th challenger entered kitchen stadium, everyone expected an epic battle. This tie breaker is part two of the massive battle.

Aug 13, 1999

The challenger is an Italian chef who has impressed some of the biggest names in Kubuki-za theater. Will he impress the judges in Kitchen Stadium?

Aug 20, 1999

Battle cuttlefish becomes a test of the chefs' seafood knowledge.

Aug 27, 1999

The sea ray rules the ocean, who will rule the kitchen?

Sep 3, 1999

Sep 10, 1999

Two Iron Chefs will enter kitchen stadium, but only one can advance. Chen versus Kobe in a pork battle for the ages.

Sep 17, 1999

Steamed Bell Pepper custard and Bell Pepper Royale with Pike Eel feature in this match between Morimoto and Sakai.

Sep 24, 1999

Chen versus Sakai in what is supposed to be the grand finale of the tournament. Both Iron Chefs go all out with dishes like a classic lobster bisque and a cutting edge egg mousse and gratin au chili lobster. As the tournament nears its end, Sakai has been crowned King of Iron Chefs. Or has he? The chairman has another battle up his sleeve.

Oct 1, 1999

Oct 8, 1999

Alain Passard vs. Sakai, the winner of the King of the Iron Chef Tournament. The theme is Longgang Chicken. The challenger for this final Kitchen Stadium battle has been here before. He competed against Iron Chef Komei Nakamura in the 1997 Iron Chef World Cup. That battle ended in a tie. Chairman Kaga has invited him back to take care of this unfinished business. This chef is called the best in the world by some. He is a three star chef from France. He began cooking at 8 years old. This will a very tough challenge for the Iron Chef.