What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? 

Passion and hard work are the keys to success. Some days you’ll think that you can’t do it anymore but you have to stay motivated.

 Who is your role model and how have they influenced you?

My superior Mr Kazuhiko Hamasaki from the Chanto restaurant group. I met him when I was working for Daidai-ya restaurant in Tokyo. He is a creative genius and even won a few TV cooking competitions. He is an inspiration to me because he has taught me from the beginning to be calm when times were hard and encouraged me to put maximum effort and focus into my work.

What ingredient can you not live without?

Definitely chicken. It’s the reason I became a chef in the first place, being the local speciality where I grew up.

 What item, apart from your passport, can you not travel without?

I should say something more exciting, but it would have to be my phone. I need to be in contact with my restaurants in London and Japan, so it’s incredibly important for me to stay on top of my work.

 Where is your favourite place to eat in London?

This is a hard question, but I would have to say The Araki in London is my favourite. It’s more of a special occasion restaurant though.

 What do you like the most about your favourite London restaurant?

The chefs are incredibly skilled and the food is so fresh and beautiful. It’s hard to beat.

What do you do on a day off?

I’m a bit of a workaholic, with two restaurants in London and a number in Japan, so I’m always thinking about new ideas. I do like to visit new restaurants in London – my life basically revolves around food.

Apart from food, what are your biggest passions?

I have a huge passion for art. At the moment I’m focused on the use of colour and how this affects the aesthetics of a piece.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guest?

I would like to invite Mr Nobu from Nobu Restaurants, who has given me invaluable advice on several occasions. I was able to overcome my weaknesses from his teaching and ultimately, he led me in the right direction.

 japanhouselondon.uk/eat/restaurant