Challenging the world of eel cuisine with a new heart as a chef.

Mr. Kato was born in 1971 in Hokkaido. After graduating high school, he entered Tsuji Culinary Institute Osaka with a deep passion for cooking. Then, he trained at a restaurant in Kurashiki through the introduction of Mr. Tamura, the executive chef of Japanese cuisine at Hotel New Otani Osaka. At Foresta Hills in Toyota City, he met Mr. Mizogami, whom he looks up to as his mentor. After working at Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel for 19 years, he moved to Unawa Izumi in August 2023. He currently serves as the restaurant's manager.

Mr. Ueda thinks of his guests and delivers moments of joy.

He was born in 1973 in Aichi. After working part-time as a student, he chose to become a chef. He is currently working as a chef at Sakai, which inspired him to pursue a career in food and beverage. He coordinates excellent courses, which are derived from the selected ingredients of each day, to suit each guest without being restricted by the menu. Creating a restaurant where customers can enjoy more than just eating is important to him.

Mr. Sugisaki is a professional chef who continues to carefully express Japanese traditions with a quietly burning passion.

He was born in 1970 in Gifu. Although he chose the path of a chef on the advice of a relative, he was drawn to it and pursued a career in Japanese cuisine. After training at a famous restaurant in Kyoto, he honed his skills and sensibility while working as a chef at numerous restaurants. His experience and solid skills were highly evaluated, and he became the head chef at Agu-buta-shabu Izakaya Hakuryu Nishiki. He is an artisan chef who carefully prepares each dish in a quiet manner. His hands produce superb cuisine, a harmony of Japanese tradition and modern sensibilities.

Pursuing sushi for 30 years.

Mr. Kanai was born in 1970 in Chiba. He trained for four years at a sushi restaurant in Aomori Prefecture and two years at a sushi restaurant in Miyagi Prefecture. Then, he entered his current restaurant, Irifune. As a sushi chef at the branch for 19 years, he has served delicious fish daily. 

Ms. Kanai brings her experience at a Sushi restaurant to Teppanyaki.

She gained ten years of training and experience in service and cooking at Sushi Irifune in Ito, Shizuoka. Later, she studied Teppanyaki and Western cuisine at Steak House Kanai Omuro-Kogen Branch. Her experience at the sushi restaurant has earned a reputation for her steaks and meat sushi, which are served with Amagi Wasabi from Amagi, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Received the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award and the Aichi Excellent Skilled Worker Award, "Master Craftsman of Aichi."

Head Chef of HILLS CLUB ANNEX SHIKIBUAN. Special Guest Lecturer at Aichi Cooking College. Practical Skills Instructor for Aichi Prefecture's Fugu (blowfish) Handling Examination.

Experienced as manager of a high-end teppanyaki restaurant overseas. Returning to the restaurant industry with a passion for customer service.

Mr. Inoue was born in 1971 in Hyogo. During his junior high school years, he met an English teacher who had spent a lot of time abroad, which triggered his yearning to live abroad. At 20, he started working at a high-end teppanyaki restaurant in Germany and became the manager at 23. After returning to Japan, he took on a sales position in the wine industry but couldn't forget the appeal of working in the restaurant industry. In 2007, he joined Amiyaki Tei Co., Ltd. and gained experience as a manager in various locations. In January 2024, he was appointed as the manager of the Meieki Nishi branch of WAGYU YAKINIKU HYAKUMEIZAN and continues to work there.

 

Trained in hotels and restaurants in Japan and three-star restaurants in France, Mr. Sawabe worked as a chef in various hotels and restaurants. In Japan's Hokuriku region, he has served at Kanazawa PREEMINENCE and Yoichi Sanso Auberge de Mikuni. Sympathizing with the concept of "A la ferme de Shinjiro," under the guidance of Mr. Shinjiro Imura, he creates French cuisine at traditional wooden townhouses in Kanazawa.

Born and raised at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Mr. Yamada experienced from French cuisine in a three-star hotel to a casual izakaya pub.

He was born in 2003 in Yamanashi. Born and raised in Yamanakako Village at the foot of Mt. Fuji, he worked in a French restaurant in a three-star hotel for three years after graduating from high school. Since then, he has experienced not only high-end restaurants but also casual izakaya and has tried various genres of cuisine. Currently, he is a chef at Kaisen Dokoro Fuji.

Mr. Santoscoy pursues a new French cuisine style by weaving his ideas into Japanese ingredients.

He was born in 1992 in Guanajuato, Mexico. After studying the basics of French and other cuisines in Argentina, he moved to the United States. While gaining experience at Napa Valley and Scottsdale restaurants, he became familiar with traditional Japanese crafts such as Japanese kitchen knives and Noh masks. In 2016, he moved to Japan because he wanted to "see Japan with his own eyes, where many things he feels his sensitivity sympathizes with." Enchanted by abundant food, beautiful nature, and warm-hearted people, he relocated to Ishikawa.

Aiming to be the best in the area in customer service and to be a friendly restaurant.

Mr. Nakane was born in 1989 in Shiga. Born and raised in Otsu City, the capital of Shiga, renowned for Japan's largest lake. He moved to Nagoya at 30 and gained experience in sales positions, acquiring the ability to sell products effectively. To make the most of such experience, he changed careers in the restaurant industry and joined the famous local restaurant Amiyakitei. After working as a manager at several locations, he became the manager of Higashi-betsuin branch in October 2022. He aims to have the best customer service in the area and to be the friendliest restaurant.

Providing a BAR where both drinkers and non-drinkers can enjoy a fascinating cocktail.

Mr. Miyazawa was born in 1977 in Tokyo. He became fascinated with bartending at his part-time job as a college student and aspired to become a bartender.  In 2003, he won the top prize in the Suntory Cocktail Award category, and in 2005 and 2007, he was a prize winner. In 2009, he won the Healing Cherry Cocktail Competition World Championship. Then, in 2010, he opened Bar Orchard Night in Awaji-cho, Kanda. In 2012, he established Orchard Night Inc. As of 2024, he manages 10 bars and is also working to promote non-alcoholic cocktails.

To have customers keep coming back to the restaurant.

Mr. Tsutake was born in 1971 in Aichi. After graduating high school, he worked in the manufacturing industry for two years. At age 20, he changed his career to the restaurant industry because he wanted to work interacting with people. He experienced the joys and difficulties of serving customers in the restaurant business. In 2010, he decided to join Amiyakitei after being impressed by its delicious food and customer service. In his fifth year with the company, he experienced the launch of a new restaurant. He was then appointed to a newly opened Sakae branch in 2020. Aiming to be a restaurant where even first-time customers can enjoy delicious food and service and say, "I'll definitely visit again."

After working in various genres, Mr. Yamada's challenge is to promote the appealing food and culture of his hometown.

He was born in 1990 in Gifu. His career in the restaurant industry began at an Italian restaurant in Nagoya. From the age of 21, he took on a managerial position. From age 25, he worked as a head chef at a dining bar and bistro in Nagoya. After that, he returned to his hometown and once left the restaurant industry, but returned to it again at the age of 32 when Stake Creation Company started up its restaurant division. In 2024, Hidagyu Sukiyaki Nakabashi Wakachiya opened. He is now promoting the fascinating food and culture of his hometown.

From the food perspective, Mr. Tanaka conveys the charm of his hometown, Hida Takayama.

He is from Gifu. An experienced chef who has built a career focusing on Japanese cuisine. He is currently the head chef at Aji no YOHEI. Hida Takayama is an important hometown for him. He conveys the charm of his hometown from the perspective of food.

His diligence won his place as a chef at a yakiniku restaurant in the trendy Sakae area. 

Born in 1981 in Aichi prefecture. Receiving high praise from the owner of Yakiniku Sawagi for his work and warm hospitality in the amusement industry, he was recruited as chef of the restaurant at its opening. He now spends considerable time from the selection of meat, preparation to quality control for serving fresh offal meat dishes before his customers.      

Mr. Ishigaki is a chef who utilizes his overseas experience while maintaining meticulous hospitality.

He was born in 1974 in Fukuoka. Grew up watching his father, who was a chef. After joining a company specializing in Japanese cuisine, he worked in domestic branches and overseas establishments in places like Guam and Hong Kong. He learned English and Cantonese among local staff to give instructions as a manager. Even today, smooth communication is possible for ordering and daily conversation. In 2022, he joined Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou Nakagawa Main Branch Established in Showa 44 (1969). As a manager and cook, he organizes the restaurant.

Mr. Sakakima offers impressive dishes with the miracle of local ingredients. The taste of Gifu captivates the world.

Mr. Sakakima was born in 1988 in Tokyo. While living in Tokyo, he visited Gifu and decided to pursue a career in food after having a meal at Amiyaki-tei. After that, he moved to Gifu and trained at Amiyaki-tei, which he longed for. In 2019, he started a new challenge at Horutanya. In 2023, he moved to the current restaurant, Horutanya Sakae Branch, managing the restaurant as a restaurant manager.

Ms. Sakamoto has dedicated herself to honing her skills as a cook and continues to pursue the essence of Japanese cuisine.

She has loved cooking since she was a child and joined Maruya Honten upon graduation from high school. While learning the basics of Japanese cuisine, she made her way to becoming an eel chef. She has experience in most of the restaurant's branches and is now the head chef. With her many years of experience, she works daily to satisfy her guests further.