He chose to enter the cooking field to spend his whole life doing what he likes. 

He was born in Hokkaido. After graduating from a university in Sapporo, he started working at an office as a salaryman. Though he was happy with it, he decided to enter the cooking field to do what he loves. After training at a sushi shop in Otaru through the introduction of his acquaintance, he had further training in Tokyo for 2 more years to be a more confident chef. He returned to Hokkaido to open [Sushi Isono], and currently, he makes his best efforts to give excellent service to his guests, making use of his experience.  

Mr. Sasaki strives everyday with the philosophy of "treasure every encounter, for it will never reoccur" in his mind.

He was born in 1980 in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Mr. Sasaki's family enjoyed fishing since he was little. He decided to become a chef as he wanted to cook the fish he caught himself. After working at a fresh seafood restaurant and a ryokan hotel in Hakodate, he demonstrated his skills working as the head chef of a hotel in Hakodate. He became the head chef of [Uni Murakami Hakodate ekimae restaurant] which opened in 2019. He strives everyday with the philosophy of "treasure every encounter, for it will never reoccur" in his mind, valuing the encounter with every guest.

With his love for Kyoto and cooking at his core, Mr. Nishino has been introducing the unique cuisine of Kikusui to the world.

He was born in 1976 in Sabae, Fukui. Wanting to delight many people with cuisine, he began walking the chef's path. After training at famous restaurants in Kyoto when he was 18, he joined Kikusui. In 2013, he was appointed as its third head chef. During its 2018 renovation, he trained hard at a Michelin 3-star Japanese restaurant and polished his techniques. He produces Washoku Kaiseki, which combines traditions with attempts at something new. He is not afraid to take on new challenges and continues to lead the kitchen as always, with a determination to protect the food, traditions, and staff.

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.

A chef who is particular about ingredients and brings out the best of them through simple cooking.

Mr. Hashimoto was born in 1983 in Hiroshima. His love of eating led him to a culinary career, and he became a chef at 24. After studying at Italian and French restaurants in Tokyo, he opened GARDEN HOUSE HIROSHIMA in August 2024. He is especially good at cooking with vegetables and is particular about using high-quality ingredients. Desiring to serve dishes that make the most of the ingredients' flavor, such as fresh local vegetables and seafood, he is a chef who creates simple but meticulously prepared dishes.

Mr. Tamura has been devoted to cooking and has accumulated diligent and steady training.

He was born in 1993 in Osaka. Because of his love for "eating," he aspired to become a chef. After graduating high school, he entered Ecole Tsuji Osaka and studied at the Master College of French and Italian Cuisine. After graduation, he worked for about 2 years at Restaurant Lille and about 7 years at Restaurant Difference, where he honed his skills as a chef. In 2021, he was selected as a chef at Les Confluences, where he continues demonstrating his skills.

 

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. Watanabe steps forward with his skills and ambition.

He was born in 1991 in Saitama. As a student, he discovered the appeal of Japanese food through a part-time job at a sushi restaurant and was drawn to its depth. After graduating from high school, he began training in Japanese cuisine. He spent ten years honing his skills as a sushi chef at several sushi restaurants. Then, he joined his current company because he sympathized with the representative's personality and management philosophy. In 2022, he was in charge of Sushi Kazumasa at the same time as it opened.

Mr. Yamanaka is an executive chef who has maintained his particular taste since shortly after the restaurant's establishment.

He was born in 1952 in Kanagawa. Began his career working at a restaurant in Okayama. At the same time, his brother, who was staying and working in Fukuoka under the influence of a friend from Fukuoka, founded Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka in 1984. He was offered to help at the restaurant, which quickly became popular, and joined it in 1987. Since then, he has continued to work as a chef at the restaurant. As the executive chef of Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka, he is still active on the front line.

Suggesting new ideas actively, while preserving the original tempura of [Kyoboshi].

He was born in 1969. As [Kyoboshi] was relocated from Gion to Tokyo, he was also born and brought up in Tokyo. After graduating from high school and having training at a famous traditional Japanese restaurant in Hyogo for 4 years, he went back to [Kyoboshi] in Ginza, as his father, the previous generation became sick. After having some more training under his father, he opened his own restaurant at the age of 22 in Gion, where [Kyoboshi] was originally founded. He has gained new layers of fans by suggesting new ideas such as serving tempura of sweet potato with brandy and sugar, while preserving the traditional taste of the restaurant. The restaurant has established its position and become world renowned.

Fascinated by BLACK TERRACE, Mr. Ogawa turned from a photographer to the world of food. 

He was born in 1992 in Kanagawa. When he was working as a photographer after graduating from university, he reached a turning point when he met BLACK TERRACE. That restaurant has a unique atmosphere which fascinated him, then he decided to transition into a chef. Having always enjoyed cooking, he began his career as a chef at the age of 25. After that, he has devoted himself to further study and is now active as a chef. He pursues sensitive cuisine worthy of the expressive restaurant.

Following in his parents' footsteps, he always creates cuisine that brings a smile to his customers' faces

Born in 1973 in Fukuoka Prefecture. His family owned and operated a restaurant that sparked his interest in natural ingredients and the culinary arts. In gratitude to his parents, and in admiration of their lifelong work, he aspired to become a chef himself. He trained at numerous restaurants in his hometown of Fukuoka. In 2010, he joined the Tanka Main Branch, where he works day in and day out to bring smiles to his customers' faces. He currently mans the kitchen, and is constantly in search of new flavors.

Offering customers food with warmth and kindness.

Since Mr. Ito's family owned a fresh fish shop and deli, he spent a lot of time cooking from a young age, so he naturally decided to become a chef. After graduating from high school, he went to culinary school. Recommended by a friend, he began working at the Haute Cuisine Restaurant Kiku. Here, he met the master who would later become his mentor, and he learned the basics of cooking. He endeavors to serve "dishes with warmth and kindness" in terms of taste, aroma, and presentation.

Mr. Sakamoto has honed his skills in Japanese cuisine, but the sushi course is what will win you over.

Mr. Sakamoto was born in 1983 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After training at a Kyoto restaurant for 5 years, he honed his skills in the sushi department of Nadaman restaurant in a hotel in Tokyo, Nadaman in Yokohama, and other such places. He has been involved with Sushi Tsukiuda since its opening in September 2016. At Sushi Onikai, he has served as head chef since it opened in November 2019. As a sister restaurant of Sushi Tsukiuda, it mainly serves nigiri. While many restaurants offer a course of nigiri with side dishes, this restaurant is trying to compete primarily with nigiri and to satisfy customers with sushi alone. 

Fascinated by Mexico's unique flavor, Mr. Uekita deepened his cuisine exploration.

He was born in 1983 in Osaka. Being fascinated by the delicious vegetables his grandmother grew when he was a child was the starting point for his career as a chef. Upon graduating from university, he moved to the United States. While receiving agricultural training, he worked with Mexicans and was introduced to Mexican food. After returning to Japan, he started his career as a chef at a Japanese restaurant in Osaka, gaining experience in various genres such as cafes and Italian. In 2020, he was appointed chef of Piopiko in Ace Hotel Kyoto, as his solid skills and multinational experience were in high demand.

An up-and-coming chef from India who has worked in some of the world's most famous restaurants.

Mr. Tejas Sovani studied at "noma" in Copenhagen and has worked as a sous executive chef at luxury hotels "The Oberoi" and "AMAN" in India. With the flexible sensibility and solid skills accumulated at restaurants around the world, he freely uses spices to create delicate and original dishes. He pursues elegant, gastronomic modern Indian cuisine out of an extraordinary passion for cooking, where he says, "Established concepts create nothing."

Welcomes guests with the goal of promoting local cuisine.

Mr. Koji Nakasone was born in 1964 in Okinawa Prefecture. Chef Nakasone was inspired to become a chef after watching a TV program about Japanese cuisine. This show left a deep impression on him, leading him to aspire to become a chef so that he could move people with his own cooking. After building up his career experience in Okinawa hotels, Chef Nakasone took the role of head chef at [Restaurant Sunpeer]. He works in the kitchen to spread the word to visitors from all over about the quality of Okinawa's local vegetables and the delicious ways to prepare them.

Mr. Nishida is a master chef who conveys Japan's traditions, nature, and spirit through seasonal cuisine.

He was born in Fukuoka. The owner of Shirogane Nishida. After graduating from culinary school, he trained at the famous Kyoto cuisine restaurant Yugyoan Tankuma Kitamise, where he learned traditional techniques and tastes. After returning home, he gained experience at the legendary restaurant, Teshimatei, then worked at Hakata Mizutaki Toriden and Nakashima-cho Club. In 2014, he launched his own restaurant and became independent. The restaurant has grown to the Michelin-starred reputation it is now. Under the motto, "a chef is an interpreter of the seasons," he serves seasonal delicacies to guests from Japan and abroad.

Mr. Gunji learned Italian and French cuisine and now serves stylish dishes as a head chef.

He was born in 1981 in Tokyo. He trained in a hotel banquet hall, cafe, French restaurant, and so on. After working at an Italian restaurant in Roppongi, he joined the current company in 2019. His strength is that he has studied both Italian and French cuisine. Currently, he works as the head chef of the restaurant REGINA. He serves stylish and special dishes that match the restaurant's atmosphere.