The next-generation global culinary leader who creates each dish with a passion for the ingredients.

The next-generation global culinary leader who creates each dish with a passion for the ingredients. Fascinated by the meticulous and delicate cooking techniques and the history of French cuisine, he moved to France. He studied and honed his skills in restaurants in Burgundy and Provence.  After returning to Japan, he worked at several French restaurants before joining TRUNK HOTEL. In 2023, he became the chef of TRUNK (KITCHEN). With French techniques at his core, he offers dishes full of surprises and appealing dishes adapted to the diversity of today's circumstances.

Mr. Imamura is a chef who conveys the appeal of Sushi through Sushi seminars.

He was born in 1971 in Osaka. With his love of eating, he decided to pursue a career in the food industry. Although he initially did not like sushi, the taste of the sushi he made himself led him to the world of sushi. He actively shares the appeal of Sushi at Sushi seminars, such as lecturing guests on how to make sushi. "I devote myself to ensuring that guests can enjoy their meals with a smile," he says.

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. Kondo has pride as a sushi artisan and continues to refine his skills.

He was born in 1979 in Tokyo. When he first visited a counter-style sushi restaurant as a child, he was so impressed by the chef's performance that he decided to become a sushi chef. After graduating high school, he started his career at sushi and Japanese restaurants. He then worked in various positions, such as instructor at a culinary institute, sushi restaurant head chef, and hotel head chef, before opening Kappo Kondo in 2022. While managing the restaurant, he met someone working as a Toyosu Market sushi broker and sushi artisan, and they discussed their dreams with each other. In August 2023, they did a magnificent job of realizing their dream of opening a restaurant together, Kagurazaka Sushi Konkon.

Childhood with sea urchin experience. Followed her mother, she took over the restaurant.

She was born in Hokkaido in 1978. Her grandparents owned a sea urchin factory where she played as a child. Graduated from a technical school, she started working in Sapporo as a physical therapist. At the age of 24, she joined her mother's restaurant [Uni (sea urchin) Murakami Hakodate Main Branch]. 13 years have passed since she took over her mother's restaurant and passion for sea urchin, as a young owner.

Realized that "eating delicious food" is crucial.

Mr. Matsuda was born in 1980 in Kyoto. After 10 years as a company employee, he was forced to retire due to illness, and he had time to think slowly about his future life. At that time, he realized that "Eating delicious food" was his highest priority, and he aspired to a cooking job with customer service. After working at a Western cuisine restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, and a ramen restaurant, he entered STAR BAR GINZA and started training. In March 2022, he was appointed manager of the Kyoto branch, KYOTO STAR BAR.

Fan and Repeater Chef of Kappa Ramen (noodle)

Born in 1977 in Hyogo. He loved Kappa ramen for a long time and was a repeater. Via his friend, he started his ramen career at Sennichimae shop. He strives for his dream of starting his own shop every day.

A chef who has loved cooking since childhood

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture on September 28th, 1985, Chef Mifune loved cooking ever since he was a kid, and went on the study at Nakamura Culinary School in Fukuoka with the hopes of making it a career. He loves all kinds of cooking and had a hard time deciding on a specialty, but when in school he resolved to follow that path of traditional Japanese cuisine. Afterwards, he trained at Ajikitcho Daimaru for five years before transferring to Ajikitcho Bunbuan when it opened. He started out there as a regular cook, but was made head chef after gaining experience and demonstrating great ability. About one year late, he is still showing of his talents in that role.

The chef is the head of a cook agency, but he is leading other chefs with his excellent skills, not by his lineage.

Born in Tokyo in 1959. He studied in the Faculty of Law at a university. After some hesitation about his future, at the age of 23 he decided to enter Noda Cook Agency which is his family business. He noticed that many people started a training as teenagers, and therefore not all the people surrounding him welcomed him. However, he self-imposed to enhance skills, and did it very quickly. Finally everybody acknowledged him as the head of the restaurant. In 2015 he got a laryngeal cancer, but revived. Currently, he is in charge of grilled dishes with the motto of [never retire till the death].

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. Takahashi is a sushi master who preserves tradition while constantly pursuing new challenges.

He was born in 1973 in Tokyo. Fascinated with cooking from a young age, he aspired to pursue his career in the strict world of sushi chefs, which he saw in a documentary program. At 15, he began training at a renowned Ginza restaurant, gained experience in Ebisu and Akasaka, and finally branched out on his own at 32.  In 2019, he opened Sushi Yuumu in Nishiazabu. With an overwhelming spirit of inquiry and a hunger for excellence, he pursues umami to its utmost limits. He values tradition but is never afraid to innovate and consistently strives for new challenges.

The goal is to make the ramen restaurant loved by many people in the region and beyond.

Mr. Ishiura was born in 1975 in Kyoto. As part of the town's revitalization project, he decided to open a ramen restaurant and moved from another industry. After training at a famous Hokkaido ramen restaurant, where he had a connection at a shopping district event, he opened Gion Shirakawa Ramen with his brother in 2018. He is now the owner of the restaurant. With a theme of "Miso Ramen from Kyoto that makes you want to eat it again," he aims to make his ramen restaurant familiar to many people in the community and beyond.

An experienced chef who has fascinated international diners spins a new tale in Kyoto.

Mr. Sawada started his career as a chef at Gion Maruyama, a long-established restaurant with two Michelin stars. Having gained experience in prestigious restaurants, he was the head chef of a restaurant in Tokyo, where he achieved three consecutive Michelin stars. He also worked as a head chef at luxury hotels abroad, attracting guests worldwide. In July 2024, he returned to Kyoto and assumed the head chef position at Gion Shizuka. The sincerity and warmth in his cooking always attract visitors.

Mr. Tezuka has loved Jingisukan ever since he was a child.

The first time Mr. Tezuka went to eat Jingisukan at Daikokuya, he was so impressed! The employees worked hard and were lively, the restaurant atmosphere was energetic, and the fresh lamb was delicious. From that experience, he knew he wanted to work there, so he conveyed his passion for Jingisukan to Daikokuya's owner and joined the company. He currently serves as head of the Asahikawa Jingisukan Daikokuya Hakodate Goryokaku Branch, which opened on October 29, 2021.

A skillful chef who offers exquisite seafood from Hokkaido.

Born in 1972 in Niseko-cho, Hokkaido. As his family ran a soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurant, naturally he entered the cooking field. After training at a sushi restaurant in Asakusa, Tokyo for 13 years, he learned how to select fish at a wholesale company in Chiba prefecture. In 2006, he went independent and opened [Sushi Hanayoshi] in his hometown Niseko-cho. He is still making efforts to offer exquisite seafood from Hokkaido to the guests and many from overseas as well.

Communication with guests is important.

Mr. Sasaki is particular about the beautiful presentation of his dishes and the special flavors unique to XEX. "I provide warm and friendly service and offer dishes tailored to the customer's needs, valuing conversation with the customer at the counter," he says. Many regular guests adore Mr. Sasaki and visit the restaurant several times a month.

 

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. Iwamoto is an experienced chef who has been involved in food from various aspects.

He was born in 1971 in Tokyo. He had worked as a chef at "SARA" in Aoyama, Tokyo. He then became involved in the launch of "Table Modern Service," where he assisted in the operation and menu development of various restaurants, starting with its production business. After that, he worked at "Tokyo American Club" and is currently a chef at "Kagurazaka Shabu-shabu Fuga." His diverse menu, ranging from simple dishes that best use quality ingredients to creative dishes, has delighted many people.

Mr. Makino organizes the store as the head manager after transitioning from a different industry.

He was born in 1978 in Tokyo. Originally, he worked in the motorcycle industry, but when emission regulations came into effect, he decided to pursue a different path. He entered the Tsuji College of Culinary Arts in Osaka to pursue a career in the food and beverage industry, which he had always been interested in, after which he jumped into the world of culinary arts at the age of 26. After working at [Ristorante La Bisboccia] in Hiroo and [Bancasa] in Ebisu, he started working at [Pizzeria Gtalia da Filippo] in 2015. His job now is to manage the store.

Mr. Yamamoto serves sushi with heart and soul with over 20 years of experience, driven by a childhood yearning.

He was born in 1985 in Miyazaki. As a child, he often went to sushi restaurants with his family for birthdays and other occasions, which inspired him to become a sushi chef. After four years of training in Miyazaki and 18 years of training in Tokyo, Ginza, and Roppongi, he took up his current position. He has a strong desire to please his customers based on his childhood memories, and he always tries to provide thoughtful cuisine and hospitality while using his more than 20 years of experience as a sushi chef.