Alan Fisher, an Irish chef based in Japan, has shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (individual) after clocking an astonishing 119 hours and 57 minutes at his Irish-themed restaurant in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.
Fisher’s extraordinary feat has surpassed the previous record by more than 24 hours, dethroning Nigerian culinary sensation Hilda Baci, whose 93-hour, 11-minute cook-a-thon earlier this year had captured hearts around the world and ignited a wave of record attempts in Nigeria.
Fisher’s non-stop cooking spree spanned five days, during which he prepared hundreds of dishes to an enthusiastic audience of locals and supporters. His kitchen remained open round-the-clock as he battled fatigue, heat, and intense pressure to meet strict Guinness World Records guidelines.
Speaking after the announcement, Guinness World Records officials confirmed, “Alan Fisher’s incredible dedication and endurance have set a new benchmark in culinary excellence and stamina.”
Fisher, who runs Kyojin Stewhouse, said the attempt was as much about personal perseverance as it was about showcasing Irish cuisine in Japan. “This was the toughest challenge of my life,” he said, “but seeing people come in, eat, and cheer me on kept me going.”
Meanwhile, Hilda Baci’s groundbreaking record earlier this year had inspired a wave of similar feats across Nigeria, where citizens attempted records in categories from crying and singing to makeup marathons. At the time, Baci noted, “I just knew I needed to do something out of the ordinary… to put young African women on the map.”
Now, with Fisher’s triumph, the culinary world has witnessed a new high — one that blends global passion, cultural pride, and relentless human endurance.
