January 5, 1996
1995 Mr. Iron Chef tournament round 2 (part 2)
Episode 7
Sakai vs Tadashi Yanagi (Pear & Chocolate Battle)
February 9, 1996
St. Valentine's Day chocolate-and-pear dessert battle
Episode 8
Sakai vs Jinichi Tateyama (Leek Battle)
February 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.
Episode 10
Nakamura vs Kiyoshi Suzuki (Foie Gras Battle)
March 1, 1996
In Nakamura's inaugural battle as Iron Chef Japanese II, he faces the head chef of Auberge de Suzuki in Seijo.
Episode 13
Nakamura vs Lin Kunbi (Bell Pepper Battle)
March 22, 1996
Rematch battle for chef Lin Kunbi.
Episode 14
Chen vs Katsuaki Mori (Spinach Battle)
March 29, 1996
Chen's opponent has been knighted in France as the Cavalier of Cheese, and is an expert in salad. Can he prevail?
Episode 15
France Special Part I: Nakamura vs. Bernard Leprince (Salmon Battle)
April 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
Episode 16
France Special Part II: Sakai vs. Pierre Gagnaire (Homard Lobster Battle)
April 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
Episode 18
Chen vs. He Yewen (Lettuce Battle)
April 26, 1996
The new chef of Akasaka Rikyu demonstrates his distinctive Hong Kong cooking skills.
Episode 20
Chen vs Shunji Morikawa (Pineapple Battle)
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?
Episode 22
Nakamura vs. Kenji Motai (Udon Battle)
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.
Episode 24
Sakai vs Sonobe Yoshinobu (Salmon Roe Battle)
June 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
Episode 35
Sakai vs Sugawara Ken'ji (Corn Battle)
August 23, 1996
The challenger was personally trained in California Cuisine by the legendary Wolfgang Puck. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Chizuru Azuma, Ichiro Zaitsu, Asako Kishi
Episode 36
Chen vs. Shinsuke Shimada (Fleshy Prawn Battle)
August 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
Episode 40
Chen vs Kashiwabara Takeo (Wax Gourd Battle)
October 4, 1996
The challenger leads the kitchen of a hotel on the island of Okinawa. Judges: Tamio Kageyama, Kazuko Kato, Hideki Takahashi, Asako Kishi
Episode 41
Beijing Special: Chen vs. Son-So (Chicken Battle)
October 11, 1996
Features chefs from each region with a battle between Son vs. Chen.
Episode 46
Sakai vs Wein Nishi (Apple Battle)
November 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
Episode 47
Nakamura vs Kuroki Kenjiro (Angler Battle)
November 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
Episode 48
Nakamura vs Miyashiro Kiyoshi (Cow's Tongue Battle)
November 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
Episode 52
Nakamura vs. Michiba (Pork, Sweet Potato, and Octopus Battle)
December 31, 1996
New Year's Special: 100 judges taste osechi (new year food)
