From when he first started cooking during his student years, he has continued single-mindedly down a culinary path

He was born in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture on December 29, 1958. From when he was a student, he learned how to cook with what he had available. After that, he apprenticed at places such as hotel restaurants specializing in Western cuisine and restaurants in his hometown. He has worked at [Kushitei] from 2008 to the present.

He converted his inn into a restaurant specializing in unagi (eel) to carry on his hometown’s tradition of unagi cuisine.

He was born in 1959 and raised in Mie Prefecture. After he graduated from college, he took a job at Hotel Taiike, which used to be in Toba, since he was going to eventually take over his parents' traditional Japanese inn that they were running at the time. During his time working at the hotel, he worked in the kitchen as well as the front desk, so he built experience with customer service in addition to cooking. After three years, he came back home to handle reception, cooking, and management at Kawaume. When his father passed away in 2008, he took over Kawaume as the 4th generation inheritor, and converted it from an inn into a restaurant specializing in unagi cuisine. Nowadays, he works hard to preserve the local traditions of unagi cuisine and has worked up a reputation for his original donburi (rice bowl) recipe.

After his experience working in a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant, he wished to open a branch in his hometown of Okinawa. 

Born in Okinawa in 1986. He has always enjoyed meat, and upon reaching the age of 26 he worked in Shippu Horumon, a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant in Okinawa. There, he gained experiences and learned about how to make meat delicious and the importance of sauce and seasonings in enhancing the taste of yakiniku. Eventually, he made his own formula of special sauce that he called "Hikaru Sauce" for two years while managing a coffee shop. His dream of opening his own restaurant became real as he opened STEAK HIKARU in August of 2017. Since then, he dedicated himself to create"delicious steaks that he wants to eat," which lead him to bring many customers. 

Mr. Imai always has a desire to improve and approaches his daily work with a sincere attitude.

He was born in 1987 in Osaka. As a child, he wanted to become an itamae (Sushi chef), but through a part-time job in high school, he was exposed to meat dishes and became fascinated by the attraction of meat. Later, he gained experience at an izakaya (Japanese-style bar) and a Yakiniku restaurant and deepened his understanding of food. Through a connection with the owner, he joined Naniwa Yakiniku Nikutareya. Utilizing his years of experience and the skills he has cultivated, he is now also responsible for the management of the restaurant as manager.

An education major who discovered a passion for cooking has earned a Michelin star.

Mr. Sasai was born in 1966 in Kyoto. He initially aimed to become an elementary school teacher and was enrolled in the education faculty at the university. However, while working part-time in eateries like cafes, he discovered a passion for the food industry. To learn Japanese cuisine in his hometown of Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culinary art, he joined Gion Ryori Toriimoto for training. His authentic and refined Kyoto cuisine, rooted in the techniques of a traditional ryotei, has gained many admirers. Since its inclusion in the Michelin Guide for Kyoto and Osaka in 2010, the restaurant has maintained a one-star rating.

He began his career as a chef by helping out at home

Born in Okinawa on November 15th, 1972, he has been helping out in Hama no Ie, the restaurant that his parents established, since he was a child. He decided to become a chef because he always wanted to make the food with which he was most familiar with. While working in the restaurant, he developed a solid foundation in cooking. He is particularly skilled at cooking all kinds of fish dish. He is a known authority on ikezukuri (preparing sashimi made from live seafood).

Mr. Odagiri moves forward, sometimes stopping but starting forward again.

He was born in 1982 in Chiba. From his childhood, when he loved to cook, he considered a career as a chef. After gaining work experience, he obtained a cooking license. Invited by a senior colleague, he joined the present company. Then, he became extremely busy and retired from the front line for about two years. When he offered to return to work, the company was looking for a chef to launch Italiana Tavola D'oro Ginza Mitsukoshi Branch. Its best timing will allow him to be in charge of the restaurant from its opening in 2019. Currently, he is appointed as the head chef of Ginza Mitsukoshi branch and Osaka Takashimaya branch.

Ms. Inage offers flavors that resonate with the heart with dishes that are filled with love for the food.

She was born in Yamagata.  Her love of cooking began early, and her passion led her to the food and beverage industry. Starting with the experience gained in a ryokan inn kitchen, she explored the depths of the culinary arts while learning the techniques of traditional Japanese cuisine and the spirit of heartfelt hospitality. She was then attracted to yakiniku and is now utilizing her skills at Yakiniku Senka Gyuriki.

Mr. Takahashi utilizes the skills and experience he has gained over the years in his daily culinary pursuits.

He was born in 1995 in Tokyo. He began his culinary journey inspired by a part-time job in the food service industry. Having honed his skills at an Italian restaurant, a yakitori restaurant, and a monjayaki restaurant, he has gained experience in a wide range of genres. He was invited to join the Tonkotsu Monja Konamamire Asakusa Branch by one from whom he learned a great deal about his current work, and he has been involved since its opening on December 16, 2023.

He went from observing his father who was farming eel, to entering the cooking field.

He was born in 1972 in Aichi prefecture. Observing his father who was an eel farmer, he was fascinated with eels and eel cuisine. Though he worked once as a foreman in the construction industry, he left the industry to start training as a chef in 2003 at [Sumiyaki Unafuji] in Nagoya. After working as its master chef and manager, he went independent and finally opened [Unagi-ka Shibafuku-ya]. 

His experience in changing French career to Italian cuisine became an advantage. 

Born in 1969 in Aomori Prefecture. After graduating from a senior high school, he entered a culinary school and specialized in French cuisine. He moved to Tokyo after the graduation and started working at a French restaurant. A few years later, he changed his French career to Italian cuisine when the restaurant he was working opened a new Italian restaurant. In 1999, he went to Italy and built up his experience at various starred restaurants such as [Romano] during his stay for 4 years. After returning to Japan, he worked at a super luxury resort hotel and became independent to open [osteria quinto] in 2009.

After working as a fisherman, Mr. Maeda became independent and now offers the fisherman's Makanai menu at his izakaya.

He was born in 1956 in Hokkaido. Since childhood, he had been on board his family's boat, which is a fishing business. During the 10 years he helped in the family business, he made lunch boxes and makanai (meals for the crew). After working as a fisherman, he began training as a chef at a skewer restaurant in Yokohama. Finding it rewarding to see guests happy when he served fish dishes, he returned to Hakodate to start his own business. His fisherman's makanai menu such as "Chanchan-yaki (grilled fish and vegetables with miso)," "Burikama (grilled yellowtail collar)," and "Jaga-bata shiokara (potatoes with butter and salted squid guts)" are very popular. 

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.

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. Yamaguchi is the head chef who established his own unique style of Kushiage preparation with Japanese soup stock.

He was born in 1943 in Kyoto. With strong encouragement from his aunt, he decided to become a chef. Entered the long-established Kushiage restaurant Shiruhisa, established in 1946, and began his full-fledged culinary training. Later, in 1982, he was involved in the launch of Rokuhara and became the manager and head chef. He has established an original style in which carefully selected ingredients are not skewered as they are but with a few extra touches. For more than 40 years, he has been at the forefront of preserving the taste of Rokuhara.

Mr. Sasamoto's culinary journey began with the presence of his uncle, a chef, and his love for his family.

He was born in 1995 in Chiba. Influenced by his uncle, a chef who ran a traditional Japanese inn, and through his own cooking experience for his family, he gradually became fascinated by cooking. In 2014, he joined APA Hotel. For 10 years, he has experience as a chef at 5 restaurants: 5 years at APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Shiomi, 1 year at APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari, and 4 years at APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku  Eki Tower. Currently, he is working at Restaurant La Veranda in the APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower.

 

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.

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.

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.