CHEF

My Chinese Cuisine

Message from Yuji Wakiya

When I face cooking,
I always keep in mind using seasonal ingredients that energize both body and soul,
the harmony of the five flavors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami),
and the sense of satisfaction felt after finishing the very last dish.
While cherishing the timeless, classic flavors of Shanghai cuisine—my roots—
I incorporate Japan’s seasonal colors and fragrances.
I hope you will enjoy the charm of Chinese cuisine
woven from tradition and creativity.

Yuji Wakiya

Yuji Wakiya

1958

Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido

1973

At age 15, joined “Sanno Hanten” in Akasaka, Tokyo right after graduating junior high school

1983

Joined Tokyo Hilton Hotel (later Capitol Tokyu Hotel)

1985

At age 27, appointed Chinese Cuisine Head Chef at Recent Park Hotel in Tachikawa

1992

Appointed Executive Chef at Recent Park Hotel

1996

Became President & Executive Chef of “Turandot Yusenkyo”

1997

Appointed Chinese Cuisine Executive Chef at Pan Pacific Hotel Yokohama

1998

Served as head chef for the imperial dinner for Crown Prince (now Emperor) and Crown Princess at Pan Pacific Hotel Yokohama

2001

Opened “Wakiya Ichiemi Charo” in Akasaka, Tokyo

2007

Opened “Wakiya Gramercy Park Hotel” inside Gramercy Park Hotel, New York in July
(closed in December 2008 due to relocation)

2008

Opened “Wakiya Geihintei” in Ikedayama, Tokyo (relocated in 2011)
Received Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award and Tokyo Meister Award

2010

Received “Contemporary Master Craftsman” award from Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

2011

Opened “Turandot Garyokyu” and “Wakiya Geihintei” in Akasaka, Tokyo

2012

Received Bronze Award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Culinary Masters”

2014

Received the Yellow Ribbon Medal in the Autumn Decorations

2017

Received Silver Award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Culinary Masters”

2023

Published “The Philosopher in the Kitchen” (Gentosha), a memoir of 50 years as a chef
Opened Ginza Wakiya and Soba Kappo Daidai in Ginza, Tokyo in December

He is the Chairman of the Japan-Chinese Cuisine Association (a public interest incorporated association) and the Chairman of the All Japan Food Studies Association (a general incorporated association).

Wakiya’s cuisine is based on the traditions of Shanghai cuisine, incorporating an abundance of seasonal ingredients to create wholesome Chinese cuisine. The dishes, beautifully presented on carefully selected tableware, have earned high praise both at home and abroad for their Japanese-style delicacy and brilliance. His course meals, which harmonize the five tastes (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and umami), and his classic Chinese cuisine, created with solid techniques, are popular with a wide range of people.

Since 2002, he has been actively involved in charity activities overseas, primarily in Europe and the United States. In 2005, he participated in Madrid Fusion 2005 (Spain), where renowned chefs from around the world showcased their cutting-edge cuisine using their skills and philosophies, and in 2011 he participated in the World Gourmet Summit (Singapore). He has also expanded his global reach, hosting collaborative events with chefs from Hong Kong and Taiwan. In 2006, he was appointed a “Food Supporter” by the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, where he disseminates information about products and ingredients from throughout Hokkaido both domestically and internationally (including to London and Singapore), and also focuses on refining regional brands.

In the media, he has widely promoted the joys of Chinese cuisine and Chinese tea through television programs such as NHK’s “Asaichi” and “Today’s Cooking,” as well as through magazines. He also mentors the next generation of chefs through special classes and lectures at culinary schools, serves as a judge for competitions, and promotes interaction between chefs across genres, contributing to the development of not only Chinese cuisine but also the Japanese culinary industry.

He also has a deep knowledge of wine, and in 2005 he was certified as an honorary sommelier by the Japan Sommelier Association. In 2008, he was awarded the title of Knight of Commander from Bordeaux, France, and the title of Chevalier of the Order of Champagne in 2009.

JP EN