Shinichiro Takagi
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Shinichiro Takagi | |
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| Born | 1970 Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Education | Nihon University's College of Commerce |
| Culinary career | |
| Cooking style | Kaiseki, Kaga ryōri |
Current restaurant(s)
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Television show(s)
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Award(s) won
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Shinichiro Takagi is a Japanese kaiseki chef and restaurateur. He is the second-generation owner and executive chef of Zeniya in Kanazawa, which has held two Michelin stars since 2016 and received a Michelin Green Star in 2021.[1] Takagi is known for promoting Kaga cuisine abroad and for opening the restaurant’s first overseas branch, Zeniya Singapore, in 2023.[2]
Early life and training
[edit]Takagi was born in Kanazawa. After a year of study in the United States, he graduated from Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School. He later earned a degree in commercial science from Nihon University.[3]
Career
[edit]Takagi apprenticed under Koji Tokuoka at Kyoto Kitcho before returning to his family restaurant, Zeniya, in 1996.[3]
Zeniya, Kanazawa
[edit]Takagi became representative director of Zeniya in 2008, working with his younger brother, executive chef Jiro Takagi. The restaurant was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide Toyama/Ishikawa (Kanazawa) in 2016[4] and retained them in subsequent editions. It also earned a Michelin Green Star for sustainability in 2021. Zeniya joined Relais & Châteaux[1] in June 2016.
International work
[edit]Since 2008, Takagi has staged guest-chef events or culinary demonstrations in New York,[5] Paris, Milan, Seoul, Hamburg, Munich, the Maldives, Turin, Napa Valley, Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Sydney and Cape Town.[5] He appeared on the Netflix competition series The Final Table in 2018, partnering with chef Ronald Hsu to represent Japan.[6]
Business ventures
[edit]- OPENSAUCE Inc. – Co-founded in 2017 with Hitoshi Miyata, Taizo Son and Atsushi Taira; Takagi is chief culinary officer.[7]
- A_RESTAURANT – Experimental dining space in Kanazawa opened in 2019.
- Zeniya Singapore – Opened 14 August 2023 in Shaw Centre Singapore.[8] Preceding this location, Zeniya's Singapore branch used to reside in Shangri La Singapore.
Awards and honours
[edit]- 2011 – Master Chef Award, World Gourmet Summit, Singapore[9]
- 2016 – Cultural Merit Award, Japan Society of Boston[10]
- 2016 – present – Two Michelin Stars, Michelin Guide Toyama–Ishikawa.[1]
- 2021 – Michelin Green Star, Michelin Guide Japan.[1]
- 2017 – Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan).[11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Zeniya". Relais & Châteaux. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ Asia, Tatler. "Zeniya Singapore". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ a b Kawano, Saori; Gabor, Don (2015). Chef's Choice: 22 Culinary Masters Tell How Japanese Food Culture Influenced Their Careers & Cuisine (2nd ed.). Tokyo, Japan: Conversation Arts Media. pp. 242–256. ISBN 9781879834279.
- ^ Takagi, Shinichiro (2020-10-22). "Kanazawa's Gift: The World Discovers the Autumn Flavor of Japanese Matsutake | JAPAN Forward". japan-forward.com. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ^ a b Yen, Tan Pin (2024-08-18). "Shinichiro Takagi sees a way forward for fine dining in Japan". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ^ Morabito, Greg (2018-11-21). "The 24 Chefs of 'The Final Table': Everything You Need to Know". Eater. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "MEMBER". OPENSAUCE®. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ^ theRantingPanda (2025-06-08). "Food Review: Zeniya Singapore At Shaw Centre | Michelin-starred Restaurant In Kanazawa Collaborates With Les Amis Group". The Ranting Panda. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ^ "THEBEST24 - Excellent - The Best Chef Awards". The Best Chef. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Shinichiro Takagi". ChefDarren MacLean. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Goodwill Ambassador to Spread Japanese Cuisine". Taste of Japan | Japanese Cuisine Information Site. Retrieved 2025-06-26.