Tokyo, Japan
From Michelin Guide
True to his creed, âLife resides in cooking that is free of affectationâ, the chef strives to serve food that is honest and down-to-earth. Paying close attention to the strength of his cooking flame, he sources the flavours of each seasonâbamboo shoots, pike conger, matsutake mushrooms, and puffer fishâand slow-cooks them over charcoal. Indian-ink paintings behind the counter depict lotuses in each season. In the language of flowers, the lotus represents a pure and chaste spirit. The chefâs honesty and respect for foodstuffs are reflected in his carefully pared-down creations.