Mr. Zaitei Hasegawa of Den, a Japanese restaurant that is ranked No. 1 in “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” and is constantly evolving.

Last week, I happened to meet him at Sukiyabashi Jiro.

In March of this year, Sukiyabashi Jiro won the first place in one of the world’s most prestigious awards, known as the “Academy Awards of the gourmet world.

Mr. Hasegawa’s hospitality is always accompanied by laughter.

I think it is because Mr. Hasegawa is faithful to the basics of Japanese cuisine, yet he wraps us up with his original dishes full of surprises and smiles.

The “monaka” that appears as an appetizer, the “Kentucky Chicken” box, the dishes that come out of the box, and the smiley face of Mark. The “Kentucky Chicken” box, the salad with a smiley face….

It was the first time for me to enjoy eating Japanese food while laughing.

I was shocked because I had never eaten Japanese food in such a way before.

He says he has always been inspired through his interactions with chefs in Japan and abroad…

Sukiyabashi Jiro” that day also came in his normal work clothes and said he would return to the restaurant immediately after eating to get to work.

He was enjoying the sushi made by Jiro Ono, the god of sushi and a master of sushi, over the counter (tsuke-dai) without uttering a word to either of us.

Was he inspired?

It is a very famous restaurant where it is difficult to make reservations, but please let me visit again.

Thanks for the fun story!

Appreciate it!