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.

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.

A chef who creates playful dishes while utilizing French techniques.

Mr. Watanabe was born in 1986 in Miyagi. When he was 19 years old, he met a French chef, which led him to the culinary world. He honed his skills in the kitchen of a members-only hotel and later served as a sous chef at the Michelin one-star restaurant nacree. After that, he established various restaurants, including a wine bar and a restaurant specializing in curry, and opened arkua in January 2022.

Dedicated to sushi for more than 45 years. Performing the finest nigiri with Edomae techniques and spirit.

Mr. Shimada was born in 1954 in Kumamoto. The owner of Ryoheisushi. Attracted by the stylish behavior of sushi chefs, he entered the world of Edomae sushi. After many years of honing his skills at a well-known restaurant in Tokyo, he has mastered traditional techniques while refining his unique taste in rice and ingredients. Since the spring of 2023, he has worked expertly at his current store in Ginza-itchome. He purchases the best seafood of the season from the middle wholesalers with whom he has built a relationship through his visits to the Toyosu Market. And he serves delicious nigiri and seasonal dishes with careful Edomae style work.

His skills were cultivated in Osaka. Mr. Yamasaki delivers the season using various techniques based on Japanese cuisine.

He was born in 1987 in Hyogo. Based in Osaka, he has built a career as a chef in Japanese and creative restaurants. Currently, he is the owner and chef of Sushi Fukushima. He has experience in various genres of cuisine, with a focus on Japanese cuisine. He uses a variety of culinary techniques, from the best use of ingredients to the most elaborate and carefully prepared dishes, to convey the charm of the season to his guests.

Mr. Sorimachi expresses inner art on plates through food.

He was born in 1981 in Shanghai. Started with Japanese cuisine, he trained extensively in Western, Italian, and French cuisine, and then spent six years abroad. After returning to Japan, he developed his own unique cuisine by fusing Yaeyama ingredients with techniques and seasonings from Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. As a result, he caught the attention of the hotel's executive chef, Mr. Hirata. He then became the chef of HANARÉ from its opening on June 1, 2022, to express Ryukyuan culture innovatively.

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.

A natural talent for cooking blossomed after becoming a chef by chance

Born in 1980 in Shiga Prefecture. As a student, he was a promising karate athlete and was being considered for admission to university by recommendation. However, seeking a different path, he declined university offers by saying that he was looking for a trade, and through this he became a chef. His natural talent for cooking blossomed as he developed his skills at [Sangencha], a well-known Kyoto kaiseki (traditional Japanese course cuisine) restaurant serving Kansai-style cuisine. At 26, he opened his own restaurant, [Shinohara] in Shiga Prefecture, which over the course of nine years became a popular and prominent establishment. In 2016, he tackled a new frontier by opening Ginza Shinohara.

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.

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. Takada delivers a sense of Japan that can only be offered in his restaurant.

He was born in 1985 in Fukuoka. Initially, he worked as a sales representative for IRIS OHYAMA and GURUNAVI. Then, he established a restaurant company and became involved in restaurants as an operation. After retiring, he trained at a high-end Sushi restaurant and later became independent. Currently, he is the owner and chef of Sushi Tanji. He selects high-quality ingredients from all over Japan, including marine products that his hometown, Kyushu, is proud of.  In a space with a Japanese atmosphere, he conveys "Japaneseness that can be delivered only in that place."

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.

Mr. Kawamura creates an extraordinary experience for guests with food and hospitality that satisfies all five senses.

He has experience in various fields and has acquired cooking skills in Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and other Asian cuisines. Currently, he works at the popular restaurant SIK eatery, which attracts many people daily. In addition to the delicious food, he also pursues comfortable space and aims to provide a different kind of enjoyment each time guests visit, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Mr. Kawashima uses his experience to bring smiles to many people's faces with fine-tasting "Yakiniku"!

He was born in 1978. Entered high school, where he could obtain a cooking license. After honing his skills at a French restaurant, he further studied cooking at Ecole Tsuji Tokyo. Following graduation, he gained experience as a bartender and manager at an Italian restaurant in Kyobashi and a dining bar before joining the Yakiniku Shibaura group at 32. Having spent 10 years in the company, he has been involved in the current restaurant since its reopening and was appointed head chef. Changing the way of cutting the meat depending on the day's conditions, he offers new ways of eating each part of the meat and unique flavor combinations, which have been well received.

Mr. Akagi delights guests with highly creative sushi that utilizes his experience in Italian cuisine.

He was born in 1981 in Okayama. Having a desire to make a living with all his skills, he decided to become a chef. He had studied Italian cuisine before changing to be a sushi chef. After studying hard and gaining management experience at the Sushi Akazu Group, where guests can casually enjoy high-quality sushi, he became independent in June 2022. While following the group's tradition, he uses his experience as a former Italian chef to create sushi from his unique perspective, delighting guests with a new worldview.

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.

Mr. Yoshioka's restaurant is where the passion for making things grows, and sensibility takes shape.

Yoshioka was born in 1981 in Kyoto. Since his parents ran a restaurant business, he grew up with close access to cooking. Having had a strong interest in making things from childhood, he wanted to work at a job where he could create something on his own. After graduating from college, he gained experience in restaurants, and his desire to have a restaurant that offers cuisine that reflects his sensibilities became stronger. In 2017, he opened Maker, a restaurant that embodies his distinctive style.

The skills of a chef were honed through experience with Japan's diverse food culture.

Mr. Rabbi was born in Bangladesh. He came to Japan in 2010 to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. His desire to learn about sushi culture inspired him to choose Japan as the stage for his career. Since then, he has worked as a chef in various restaurants across Japan, including in Izakaya, Italian, French, American Steakhouse, Hamburger Shop, and Spanish. His experience covers multiple types of businesses, from reasonably priced restaurants to high-end restaurants. He is currently working as a chef at Gion Kujyo.

 

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.

After hard training days, he was fully prepared to be independent.

He was born in 1971 in Hokkaido. Tokyo fascinated him a lot during his boyhood, which was why he went to Tokyo right after graduating from junior high school and started live-in training at a traditional Japanese restaurant. As the training was so hard, 4 out of 5 trainees quit in only 6 months. But he tried his hardest to learn the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine there for 7 years. After he got married and had a child, he moved to another restaurants such as a Japanese restaurant and izakaya (Japanese pub) and had further training. In 2012, he went independent and opened [Kazumiya], a compilation of his cooking career.