Keeps making efforts since childhood, in the pursuit of cooking

Mr. Kurahashi was born in 1978 in Fukui Prefecture. He had an interest in food when he was young, leading him to start studying cooking on his own. This deep spirit of inquiry lead him to travel not just through Japan but abroad as well, tasting foods from around the world and building his skills by recreating them himself. In 2007, he realized a dream by opening [Toki no Kura] in Fukui, and then his second restaurant, [Japanese Cuisine Ittou] in 2012. In 2019, he relocated and saw a fresh start at [Oryori Itto].

Making proper efforts to pursue a deliciousness hidden in the traditional dish.

Born in 1980 in Tokyo, he raised up watching his father who ran a pork cutlet restaurant. It was natural for him to help his father before going to school in his days as a student. After graduating from a university, he started working at [Sugita] to succeed his family business, then became the 2nd generation in 2011. He is modest to say that his restaurant is a small bistro in this town but still making efforts every day to be better than any other restaurant, and wishing the guests to say [though pork cutlet is a casual food, his dish is special].

It is only because he has a firm foundation that he has thrived as a chef

Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1987, Mr. Eta enjoyed cooking from a young age. For this reason, he naturally went on to enroll at a high school where he could get a chef's license. After graduation, he continued studying in order to get a nutritionist's license. Having learned the fundamentals well, he has found it very useful for his work as a chef.

He cooks the blessings from Hokuriku into French cuisine to see the happy faces of the guests.

He was born in 1968 in Toyama prefecture. He entered the cooking field as he liked cooking, but started wanting to see the happy faces of the guests more and more. After working actively at a bridal-related guest house, he entered [APA HOTEL Kanazawa Ekimae Arcen Ciel in December 2018. Currently, he gives flexible service to offer a fun moment to the guests.

Offering global dishes that transcend the boundaries of Japanese cuisine, welcoming guests from around the world.

Mr. Hasegawa pursued his culinary career while experiencing diverse international cultures and further enhanced his skills and knowledge by visiting Michelin's three-star restaurants in Japan. After moving to Kagoshima to the potential of local cuisine, he became independent in 2023. Currently, he handles everything from sourcing ingredients and preparation to cooking and serving customers. He visits producers across Japan to deepen his understanding of local flavors and ingredients, breathing new life into his dishes. He values his relationship with the community and passionately seeks to refine his culinary skills daily.

Growing up watching his grandfather, Mr. Horiuchi's journey as a chef began with an inspiring encounter.

Growing up watching his grandfather, Mr. Horiuchi's journey as a chef began with an inspiring encounter. While helping out at his grandfather's udon restaurant in Yamanashi Prefecture, he grew up watching his grandfather's back. Naturally, he longed to become a chef and trained at a hotel in Shinjuku. Around that time, he came across Suijin-En when he visited Jindaiji Temple. Impressed by its greatness, he became a chef at Suijin-En with a strong desire to work there. Today, he brings his passion and experience to the table, serving dishes that delight his guests.

Mr. Komatsu is an experienced veteran chef who started his culinary career from a part-time job.

He was born on December 8, 1986, in Kanagawa, age 44. He became interested in cooking through a part-time job he had at a restaurant when he was 15 years old. After graduating from night cooking school, he began training at a kappo restaurant in Tokyo. Then, he worked at a kappo restaurant in Akasaka and also studied at a kappo restaurant in Kyoto for about two years. After participating in the launch of the Yumeya group, he joined JO Corporation of the Soregashi group in 2017, where he currently serves as the executive chef of each Soregashi restaurant.

Mr. Terada knows the joy of customer service and brings pleasure to guests with a smile.

He was born in 1990 in Tokyo. A part-time job he started in high school brought him to the fascination of the food and beverage industry. After five years of part-time work, he was promoted to manager, a position he held for six years. Later, he became interested in serving customers at Izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and moved to his current company to gain more experience. He acquired more experience in affiliated restaurants and now manages the Yakitori Shochan Roppongi Branch as a manager.

Offering a luxurious experience with the finest ingredients.

Mr. Morishita discovered the joy of cooking at the age of 6. As a student, he devoured cookbooks and learned about skewers, shabu-shabu, and Asian cuisine. He offers an enjoyable time through food and conversation.

A manager who has honed his skills mainly in Japanese cuisine and welcomes guests with courteous service.

Mr. Oshima was born in 1975 in Kyoto. His interest in eating and drinking led him to choose a life as a chef. In 2016, he entered Bar Hakushaku and started his career in earnest. Then, he studied at Restaurant Bar REST and accumulated more experience as a chef at the seaside restaurant Kaibo-tei in Maizuru-shi, Kyoto. In 2017, he joined Mahoroba Iroriyaki Shinsaibashi. Currently, he responds to everything from cooking to hospitality as a restaurant manager.

Mr. Washio produces an extraordinary time to enjoy creative Japanese cuisine and drinks.

He was born in Tokyo. Growing up watching his parents running an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), he naturally entered the culinary world. He was fascinated by the depth of Japanese cuisine, which makes the most of the richness of Japanese ingredients. After working at his parents' izakaya, he joined Koukian. His skillful technique of bringing out the best seasonal ingredients captivates his guests.

 

Mr. Iwasaki was born on January 1, 1984 in Ishikawa. After graduating from high school, he started his life as a chef at Yamashiro Onsen Ryokan in Kaga, Ishikawa. Then, he worked at the Japanese restaurant "Shibazakura" in Prince Hotel Park Tower Tokyo. During his time there, he won first place twice in the Japanese cuisine category of a cooking competition in which chefs from Prince Hotels nationwide competed for the best chefs. After working at several Japanese restaurants, he opened Kappo Ichika in July 2015. He is pursuing dishes that will surprise and impress his guests.

Mr. Fukumuro is creating a space that brings smiles to guests' faces.

He was born in 1983 in Tokyo. Admiring the owner of a sushi restaurant where he had a part-time job in high school, he aspired to become a sushi chef. After studying the basics at a culinary school, he trained at a major sushi restaurant. He worked hard to realize his dream of owning his restaurant and opened Rakuichi on June 18, 2024. Intending to pursue new culinary attractions while carrying on the traditions and techniques that he has cultivated, he is improving day by day.

Mr. Takagi is dedicated to spreading the charm of Miyazaki through cuisine using Miyazaki's ingredients.

He was born in 1984 in Kyoto. Later, he grew up in Miyazaki, which is rich in nature. Since childhood, foodstuffs from the sea and the mountains have been familiar to him. Attracted by a job where he could sublimate the deliciousness of ingredients, he entered the culinary world at the age of 21. After 17 years of training at resort hotels, kaiseki restaurants, and popular Japanese restaurants in Miyazaki, he opened his own restaurant, Washoku Takagi, in March 2022. He always wishes that people would learn about the wonderful ingredients Miyazaki has to offer through its cuisine.

Mr. Okayama opened his restaurant inspired by Peruvian and Latin American cuisine, which was a new frontier for him.

He was born in 1988 in Aichi. His interest in cooking began when he was young, watching his mother cook at home and helping her in the kitchen. After graduating from culinary school, he started his career at an Italian restaurant in Nagoya. Having accumulated training at many famous restaurants, he moved to Italy when he was 24 years old. After returning to Japan, he became a chef at an Italian restaurant in Tokyo. Upon returning to Nagoya, he was involved in the launch of a Peruvian restaurant and was fascinated with Peruvian cuisine, which he had no experience with. In November 2022, he opened Pes. and became independent.

Inspired by Alain Ducasse's spirit, and became the chef at Benoit.

Mr. Noguchi has trained in France at Domaine de Beauvois near Tours and at Le Choiseul in Amboise. After returning to Japan, he built his career at Chez Matsuo, serving as head chef. Inspired by Alain Ducasse's culinary style and philosophy, particularly the emphasis on vegetables and jus, he became the sous chef at the opening of Benoit Tokyo in September 2005. In April 2011, he was appointed as the head chef.

Founded an "extraordinary steakhouse" that delights gourmets.

Wolfgang Steakhouse was founded in Manhattan in 2004 by Mr. Wolfgang Zwiener, who has been in prestigious steakhouses in New York for more than 40 years. It quickly became a thriving restaurant for its delicious steaks, which are made with the utmost care. Today, the restaurant is highly popular in New York City, Waikiki, Miami, and Beverly Hills as the "extraordinary steakhouse" to please even the most discerning of palates. The first store in Japan, the Roppongi branch, is the first store outside of the United States.

A chef whose diverse experiences and passions are firmly rooted in the background.

Mr. Haneda was born in 1983 in Nara. Having been familiar with cooking since childhood, he developed a strong interest in cooking through his older brother's career as a pastry chef and his part-time work in restaurants. Also influenced by famous cooking shows and cartoons, he aspired to become a chef in earnest. He started his career at a restaurant in Nara, gained experience in Kyobashi and Kitahama in Osaka, and steadily improved his skills. In 2021, he joined the opening staff of Osaka W. In 2024, he started a new challenge as sous chef of Teppanyaki MYDO.

An experienced chef offers exquisite dishes to satisfy all the senses.

Mr. Shirato was born in 1971 in Chiba. He is an experienced chef who has honed his skills at teppanyaki restaurants within APA Hotels. He worked for four years at "Teppanyaki THE Nanami" in APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower. In October 2024, he moved to APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari and is currently working at Teppanyaki Nanami at the hotel.  He offers dishes that satisfy all the senses of his guests.

A chef embodying the authentic taste and culture learned in Canada.

Mr. Ichinomiya was born in 1971 in Akita. From a young age, he admired chefs and decided to pursue a career in cooking. He honed his skills for ten years in several restaurants, including a steakhouse in Canada, where he learned authentic taste and culture. Saying that " cooking is a four-dimensional process and learning about culture," he understands not only the taste of unique foreign cuisines but also their culture and cooks with all his heart and soul. He is a chef with a sincere attitude toward cooking and a strong spirit of inquiry, such as refusing Japanese seasonings in his personal life to understand the Western taste.