The Italian restaurant "Pizzeria Gina Chicco" (Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-55-8065 ) received the approval of "True Neapolitan Pizza" from the "True Neapolitan Pizza Association" on April 21.

Founded in 1984 (Showa 59), the "True Neapolitan Pizza Association" is an industry organization recognized by the Italian government, headquartered in Naples, Italy. "True Neapolitan pizza certified store" is determined by evaluating pizza making techniques, ingredients used, and taste. According to the association, it is the first in Aomori Prefecture to be certified as a "true Neapolitan pizza." It is said to be the 984th in the world and the 84th in Japan.

“Pizzeria Gina Chicco” is an Italian restaurant that serves Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired kiln, started by Teruhisa Narita in 2019. Mr. Narita used to run an Italian restaurant in Kawagoe, Saitama, but moved to Hirosaki, where his wife Rikako was from, and opened Gina Kikko. The store name is a coined word that rearranges "powder and dough".

According to Mr. Narita, the reason for applying for certification is that in 2021, a “Neapolitan Pizza” certified store was opened in Akita. Narita decided to apply because there were no certified shops in Aomori Prefecture yet. It is said that the judging included videos and practical skills in front of the judges. Mr. Narita recalls, "I was planning to receive certification in November last year, but I was depressed when the examination did not pass." “When I received the certification on April 21st, I was relieved that a weight had finally been lifted from my shoulders,” he said with a smile.

"When I announced the certification on SNS, I heard people from Kawagoe expressing their joy, so I'm happy," says Mr. Narita. “Authentic Neapolitan pizza places great importance on the handling of the dough and on the deliciousness of the freshly baked pizza. I learned a lot, and I was able to adapt my pizza, which was my own style, to the authentic pizza. I want to be able to offer my own style of pizza, such as using

Business hours are from 11:30 to 13:30 and from 18:00 to 20:30. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.