DESTINATION RESTAURANTS
Headmaster of the Tsuji Culinary Institute and president of the Tsujicho Group
Tsuji heads schools in Osaka, Tokyo and France that groom would-be food professionals, sending over 150,000 graduates into the food service industry in Japan as well as abroad. At the Group of 20 summit in Osaka in 2019, he served as executive producer of a dinner for heads of state. He has contributed to the development of food culture, serving on a committee screening nominees for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Ryori Masters (Masters of Cooking) award program. He has also lectured in various places in Japan and overseas. Tsuji was awarded France’s National Order of Merit in 2018.
President CEO, Leverage Consulting Inc.
Based in Hawaii and Tokyo, Honda seamlessly integrates business and pleasure in a lifestyle that includes frequent travel through Japan, Europe and other parts of the world. He has written over 75 books selling over 3 million copies, including “Naze Nihonjin Shefu wa Sekai de Shobu Dekita no ka” (“Why These Japanese Chefs Have Been Globally Successful”). He is in constant pursuit of excellent food, whether from street stalls, local eateries or restaurants with three Michelin stars. Honda also produces events such as Dream Dusk, a collaborative dinner by leading chefs, and Chef’s Gathering, an event for and by top chefs.
CEO, Access All Areas Inc.
Hamada is a Tokyo-based gastronomy expert who has traveled to 128 countries and regions and has visited every restaurant on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. He explores both globally acclaimed destinations and hidden regional dining gems across Japan and abroad and regularly works with Japanese regional governments to promote gastronomy tourism. His book on gastronomy became a national bestseller in 2024, with editions in five languages, including English and Spanish, scheduled for international release. Hamada shares his dining insights through Instagram and appears regularly on Japanese television and radio and in print and online media.
