With a desire to own a restaurant by age 30, he trained hard at a number of establishments to learn everything he could.

He was born in 1980 in Ishikawa Prefecture and grew up in Ushitsu, which is situated in the northern region of the Noto Peninsula. He started his culinary career after graduating from high school by taking up a job at a Japanese restaurant. He wanted to make sure that he owned his own restaurant by the time he was 30, so he trained hard to develop his skills at notable Japanese restaurants and bars around Kanazawa. From there, he was able to realize his dream by opening Ajiraku Yumeri at age 29, which is where he still works today.

Mr. Kawasaki is a chef who presents the charm of Yakiniku, which continues to evolve.

He was born in 1976 in Hokkaido. Specializing in meat dishes, he has extensively researched meat connoisseurship and cooking methods. His career as a chef began at Brasserie Tablose in Daikanyama, Tokyo.  After that, he became the chef of the French restaurant Stellato in Shirokane. He then moved to the French restaurant Stellato in Shirokane, Tokyo. Then, he served as sous chef at Ogasawara Hakushakutei and as chef at both AW Kitchen and BLT STEAK TOKYO. In 2019, he was appointed as chef of Nishiazabu Yakiniku TEN, which further explores the appeal of yakiniku.

Mr. Tayama takes great care in the quality, aging, and grilling of his food and gives guests moments of supreme bliss.

He was born in Osaka in 1976. Influenced by his father, who was a chef, he naturally pursued a career in the culinary field. He studied intensely at French and Italian restaurants in hotels for nine years and showed off his skills at house weddings and cafes. After joining Wolfgang's Steak House Osaka in 2015, he was appointed head chef of the Fukuoka branch in 2019 because of his solid culinary skills and leadership abilities that live up to the name of the high-class restaurant. In his daily work, he keeps the "taste of the finest steakhouses that impress even gourmets," which originated in New York.

A chef who manipulates aromas and temperature to cook seasonal ingredients into exquisite dishes.

Mr. Kayama was born in 1984 in Hiroshima. Growing up looking up at his father, a chef, he learned from childhood that being a chef is not only about making delicious food but also about making customers feel at ease and happy. He trained at renowned restaurants such as the three Michelin-starred Motoazabu Kanda and Quintessence. In 2014, he was appointed chef at Margotto e Baciare. In June 2022, Margotto Hawaii opened in Hawaii. He works between both Nishi-Azabu and Hawaii.

With an experience in a Michelin-listed restaurant, Mr. KOH continues to express New York culture.

He was born in 1977 in Tokyo. Though he worked in the construction industry for years, he changed jobs when he was invited to assist at a newly opened Japanese BBQ restaurant. He wanted to put his all into studying to be the best in the industry, so in 2011 he went to New York by himself. Soon after coming to the United States, he worked at a Japanese BBQ restaurant on Michelin. He studied hard there for 5 years and even became a sous chef. In 2017, after returning to Japan, he opened the beef by KOH, a Japanese BBQ restaurant that offers a taste of New York culture.

With experience in various genres, Mr. Iriyama offers an elegant moment on the hotel's highest floor.

He was born in 1989 in Tochigi. His culinary career began at a neighborhood Chinese restaurant. Following this, he gained experience at various dining establishments across Tokyo, working in a range of different genres. In 2016, he joined APA Hotel. He currently serves at Sky Cruise Makuhari at the APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari.

Mr. Ohtani is an innovative master who uses global techniques to express the aesthetics of Japan through sushi.

He was born in 1979 in Chiba. The inspiration that set him on his culinary journey was the joy of making people happy with food, a feeling he experienced as a child. While showcasing his skills as a chef, he also served as an instructor at a culinary school. After committing fully to becoming a sushi chef, he went to Spain to further hone his techniques. Upon returning to Japan, he took on the prestigious role at the Michelin-starred restaurant Sushi Matsumoto. In June 2023, he opened his own restaurant, Akasaka Sushi Ohtani, named after himself. He is a passionate chef, constantly seeking to create new and exciting flavors.

 

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. Yamato entered the world of cooking without hesitation because his family also owned an izakaya (Japanese pub).

He was born in 1983 in Okinawa. He had been interested in cooking since he was a child, with his family owning an Izakaya, a Japanese-style pub. He had been helping out at home since he was a student, and after graduation, he entered the world of cooking without hesitation. After training in Kyoto and Shiga, he returned to Okinawa, where he has been working as a chef at [Uruma Shimin Shokudo] since May 2019. He says, "I want people to have a chance to eat delicious food made with the ingredients of Uruma City and deliver it to the producers."

Mr. Hayashi strives to meet the needs of his guests and aims to create a more satisfying experience for them.

He was born in 1999 in Fukuoka. After graduating from professional training college, he joined his current company and has been with Hakata Uokura ever since. He has delighted many guests with exceptional Japanese dishes, including fresh seafood. Now, as the head chef, Mr. Hayashi continues to uphold the flavors of Hakata Uokura. He is committed to meeting the diverse needs of his guests, such as halal options, aiming to create a more satisfying experience for all customers.

The head chef, Mr. Sakai, creates innovative and creative dishes that transcend the category of Japanese cuisine.

After gaining experience as a chef at a well-established hotel, he went to France and spent four years studying authentic French cuisine. Upon returning to Japan, he worked as a head chef of Italian and Spanish restaurants in addition to French cuisine. Currently, as head chef of Izakaya Tanuki, he pursues Japanese cuisine that incorporates the essence of various genres and French techniques. Every day, he devotes himself to preparing creative dishes prepared with a great deal of effort. Because he wants his customers to be happy, he pays careful attention to all aspects of the food, space, and service.

Mr. Ichiki wants to bring smiles and energy to more people through food.

He was born in 1996 in Gunma. After working part-time as a student at a franchise chain curry restaurant, he joined SKYSCRAPER Inc. as a full-time employee because he wanted to bring smiles and energy to more people through food. Trained in the basics of restaurant operations and cooking, he then gained experience as a restaurant manager and area manager in Gunma Prefecture. He learned the basics of ramen at the new business model Ramen Daisenso, after which he was appointed brand manager and manager of Ramen Daisenso TOKYO Suidobashi Branch.

From Executive Chef at a top hotel to restaurant owner. A craftsman expanding the possibilities of Japanese cuisine.

Mr. Inaba was born in 1967 in Tokyo. With the opening of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Roppongi, he became the sous chef of Sushi Roku Roku. Afterwards, he participated in the opening of Japanese Cuisine Kazahana at the Conrad Tokyo in Shiodome and became executive chef in 2010. After that, he became executive chef at Resort Amanemu in Ise-Shima, Mie, where his breakfast was named "The Best Hotel Breakfasts in the world" by the American magazine "BRIDES". He currently demonstrates his skills at Ginza Inaba.

Impressed by people enjoying his cooking, Mr. Hirukawa entered the culinary world.

He was born in 1961 in Kanagawa. Since childhood, he has loved to cook. When he served food to his friends and family, he was so happy to see them enjoy it that he decided to work at a Japanese restaurant to cook authentic Japanese cuisine. He trained in Japanese cuisine at such restaurants as Yokohama Kadoya Main Branch, Nagoya Seryna, Tsuruyoshi, Takahama, Ginza Kansai Kappo Amano, Kamakura Ayatei, and Kissyo Yokohama Branch. Currently, he is the head chef at Kioicho Hassan.

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.

He has a desire to share the wonderful food culture and ingredients of Yaeyama with the world.

He was born in 1970 in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. He enjoyed making things even as a child, and at the time dreamed of becoming a woodworker in the future. After being hired to work at a company, he spent his spare time traveling across Japan by bicycle. Upon visiting Okinawa, the cultural differences took him by surprise, so he quit his work and moved to the island of Ishigaki in 1995. He wanted more people to know about Ishigaki's safe, trustworthy food products, and as a result, opened Mori no Kenja in January of 1997. He now works to spread the food culture of Yaeyama to a wider audience.

Enjoy a delicious experience of high-quality Kuroge Wagyu beef.

Mr. Ishizaki was born in 1969, in Sapporo, Hokkaido. In 1970, his grandfather started a butcher shop and associated farm. His parents then opened a sukiyaki (hot pot stew) and shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) restaurant, which led him to develop an interest in cooking. He decided to pursue cooking as a career upon graduating from high school, beginning his training in a teppanyaki (ingredients grilled on an iron griddle) restaurant. After honing his skills for over four years, he opened Steak&Wine Ishizaki in 2013. This restaurant delights its guests with its own high-quality Kuroge Wagyu beef dishes, including teppanyaki and roast beef.

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.

"Food makes people happy." To be a chef who can give dreams to guests.

Fascinated by a chef he saw on a TV show as a child, Mr. Matsuda started his culinary career at the age of 17. After being impressed by the global experience in Los Angeles, which he visited on a high school excursion, he joined an Italian restaurant in Tokyo with the hope of someday studying cooking abroad. Later, he trained at a three-star restaurant in Italy and returned to Japan. After gaining experience at a French restaurant in Kobe, he opened Shoku to Mori on June 8, 2022. Currently, he is also involved in the management of Shoku To Mori.

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.