Mr. Osada is a master chef who, with the excitement of his childhood in his heart, creates sophisticated dishes steeped in tradition.

He was born in 1973 in Tokyo. As a child, he was impressed by his mother's cooking and developed a genuine curiosity about "how to make such delicious food." He studied at Nakamuraro and Wakuden, both long-established restaurants in Kyoto, where he mastered the art of tradition and innovation. After returning to his hometown, he worked at a kappo restaurant in Kagurazaka, where he deepened his skills and learned management know-how for the restaurant business. Based on this experience, he is pursuing cuisine that delivers excitement to visitors at Sushi Wa Nogi.

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.

Ms. Yamada is always ready to entertain guests with a smile so that they can enjoy their meals even more deliciously.

Ms. Yamada is always ready to entertain guests with a smile so that they can enjoy their meals even more deliciously. As a floor staff supporting the 2nd branch of Katsudon Daijyu, which attracts many guests with its popular "Katsudon without binding with eggs," she is improving her skills every day. Her motto is to be flexible and attentive to guests' requests. In order to create a comfortable space, she works hard to make the restaurant even better.

Mr. Yamamoto combines trendy style with the image of the Yakiniku restaurant run by his grandmother.

He was born in 1987 in Tokyo. His grandmother ran a Yakiniku restaurant, and his father ran an Okonomiyaki restaurant. As a result, cooking has been familiar to him since he was young. He aspired to be a chef, and trained at his father's restaurant after graduating from school. He then worked at a Yakiniku restaurant in Ginza to hone his skills. Although he served as executive chef, his desire to open his own restaurant grew more substantial, and he invited his colleague, Mr. Takagi, to join him in becoming independent. In December 2024, Yakiniku Fuji opened. "I want people to enjoy really delicious Yakiniku," he says.

Mr. Suzuki makes each piece of sushi with his passion for SHIOGAMAKOU - a sushi chef with a sense of humor.

He was born in 1982. He entered the world of sushi at the age of 16 and started his apprenticeship at 19 at KIYOTA, a famous sushi restaurant visited by many celebrities.  After his training period, he met Mr. Kamada, a tuna professional. He joined Kaisenzushi Shiogamakou because he was fascinated by how Mr. Kamada worked and his deep knowledge. He has made sushi for many people in Shiogama. In February 2024, he was appointed Oyakata (head chef) of SUSHI SHIOGAMAKOU GINZA KIWAMI. With his passion for SHIOGAMAKOU, he brings smiles to visitors' faces with the knowledge and wealth of experience he has cultivated.

A young chef leading a new style of oden restaurant.

Mr. Kobayashi was born in 2002 in Fujimino-shi, Saitama. He graduated from culinary school and honed his skills through experiences in Italian and Japanese cuisine. Since February 2024, he has been the chef at Toyosu Kinpura, bringing vitality to the restaurant. With a desire to offer oden to visitors from overseas as well, he welcomes guests with meticulous preparation every day. His sincerity shines through in both the dishes he serves and his approach to customer service. He welcomes guests every day with careful preparation as he wants "visitors from overseas to enjoy Oden as widely as possible." His sincerity shines through in both the dishes he serves and his approach to customer service. This young chef's honesty is reflected in the cooking he serves and the service he provides to customers.

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.

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. 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.

His dishes reflect a long and diverse history of cooking professionally across the country.

He was born in 1982 in Ishikawa Prefecture. During his time in high school, he took on a part-time job at a yakitori (grilled chicken) restaurant, and the food there delighted him so much that he decided to enter culinary school after his high school graduation. After that, he went on to develop his skills at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Kanazawa and a Japanese-style inn in Kyoto, as well as a Kaiseki (course meal) restaurant in Kagurazaka and a Japanese restaurant in Ginza called Uchiyama. He also spent time in Italy working at Japanese restaurants there. After he returned to Japan, he set out on his own to take his current position. He is also a certified sommelier and sake (Japanese alcohol) master.

Continually refined techniques and experience realize high-quality cuisine and hospitality.

Mr. Ota was born in 1969 in Tokyo. After working part-time as a student, he pursued a career in the culinary field. He has served in restaurants and banquets at major hotels, as well as as executive chef at an Italian restaurant and as a chef at a cruise restaurant. In 2016, he joined APA Hotel. In 2017, as head chef of APA Hotel Osaka Higobashi Ekimae, he improved the quality of food and efficient cooking operation. In 2023, he was appointed head chef of APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower. He provides high-quality dishes and hospitality to guests from Japan and abroad.

Inspired by family joy, a passion for cooking blossomed.

Mr. Seisho Takara was born in 1988 in Okinawa. The joy he felt when his family was happy as he helped them cook led him to become a chef. Influenced by a TV drama about a chef's growth, he honed his skills in Italian cuisine. After training at an Italian restaurant in Okinawa Prefecture, he was selected as a manager at a restaurant specializing in pasta. He further gained various experiences, such as becoming a sous chef at another restaurant. In January 2019, he was appointed assistant manager and is now head chef.

Skills sharpened at a quality restaurant in Spain, and a profound knowledge about Japanese ingredients.

Born in 1978, he supported his parents who was running a guest house where he familiarized himself with cooking. Graduating cooking school in Barcelona, he built up his career at 1 star [L'Esguard] and other restaurants. At [Neichel], one of the most famous restaurant in Spain, he experienced being a chef of all sections, and assistant chef. In 2008, he became an executive chef at [Mugaritz], and at OGASAWARA-HAKUSHAKU-TEI in 2009. Pursuit of unique Spanish based on Spanish cooking tradition evolved with Japanese ingredients supports the star rating for the 8th straight year.

The only one taste in the world developed by his own sense and skill.

He was born in 1970 in Hiroshima prefecture. Though he worked for a department store after graduating from university, he quit the job because he always desired to create something by himself, and his strong will brought him to [Enraku], a renowned restaurant in Shimbashi run by his uncle to learn the fundamentals of pork cutlet. After accumulating the experience for deep-fried skewers and kappo cuisine (Japanese style cooking) in the 11-year training, he opened [Narikura] in 2010 in Takadanobaba. Based on the pork cutlet of [Enraku], he has been modified the recipe little by little to reach [what he wants to eat].Upon closing the restaurant in March, 2019, he succeeded the restaurant to his apprentice having the same restaurant name but written in Hiragana. Same year in July, he reopened the restaurant in Minami-Asagaya and the renowned restaurant is always full of people.

 

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.

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.

Ms. Wakamiya offers guests food that is kind to the body and soul.

Hello, my dears, This is Tamie from Japanese Fermented Degustation Bar ODORU. My wish is to be your friend, and this thought is based on my own experiences, such as traveling to many countries and living overseas. What always comes to my mind is that you can experience a place more deeply when you have friends there, even in the middle of your travels. Among those experiences, dining is something that fully stimulates all five senses, making your experience richer and deeper. For that reason, I've opened my place in Osaka, the city where I grew up and where I still fall in love with every day. I'd love for you to have a local experience, just as we Japanese enjoy at home-savoring the umami and dashi uniquely of Osaka, as well as fermented foods and seasonings that are distinctly Japanese. At my place, I focus on using domestic ingredients and elements of Buddhist cuisine, which promote both physical and mental health. You can even enjoy a mini-lesson on Japanese dining culture while you dine. I will be very happy if you come to love Japan even more through these experiences than you know now. Thank you. Sincerely, Tamie

Mr. Ogishima fascinates his guests with ramen, which he puts in the flavor of Hida.

He was born in 1984 in Fukuoka. When he was about to start his career, the timing was right, and he decided to go into the culinary field. His love for ramen led him to train at Matsuri Takayama Branch, where he dedicated himself to making ramen. Currently, he is serving at the Matsuri Osu Branch. His delicate flavors and high skill level captivate guests and drive the restaurant's popularity.

Mr. Fujihira takes a new step forward as a restaurant owner, carrying a long-standing tradition.

He was born in 1990 in Tochigi. Born in a sushi restaurant in business since his grandfather's generation, he grew up close to cooking from an early age. After graduating from Musashino Cooking College, he trained at Sushi Tenkawa in Ginza, where he deepened his skills and knowledge. In 2011, he moved to Ebisu Hoshi, which opened as a branch in Ebisu and demonstrated his skills. In 2021, Hoshi took over the name of "Sushi Tenkawa," which was closed, and he became the owner of the newly born Sushi Tenkawa.

A big ramen lover decided to make ramen noodles by himself

He started working at a ramen shop as a part-time as he loved ramen noodles. As he really liked the shop owner, he decided to be a chef there. There are several shops in his ramen chain, however they all serve different soups depending on the area. He tries to take root in the area with their [only 1] taste.