Chef
Kenichiro Sekiya
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Tokyo, Japan
i. Biography
Coming Up
French restaurant technique provided the base, with Kenichiro Sekiya training in Paris, France, at Lucas Carton (from 2002) and Pierre Gagnaire (from 2002), then joining the kitchen team at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Paris, France (from 2006). The Robuchon line continued through production and leadership roles: sous-chef at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, then chef in charge at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan (2010–2015). The current work sits inside the Robuchon restaurant system and beyond the dining room. Kenichiro Sekiya is executive chef of Château Restaurant Joël Robuchon (since 2015), menu designer for “Robuchon in Flight” of ANA Airlines, and Tokyo Tourism Culinary Ambassador of Tokyo Metropolitan Government (since 2024).
Signature
The signature repertoire names the reference points clearly: Le Caviar Impérial, kaiseki-inspired sole and Nantua dish, Crispy langoustine and herb wafer, Beef: “Rossini” interpretation, and Joël Robuchon’s famous pomme purée. In Kenichiro Sekiya’s hands, the list shows a kitchen working between French luxury products, Robuchon canon, and Japanese dining structure without renaming the fundamentals.
Honors
Competitive recognition has come through two defined marks: Meilleur Ouvrier de France – Cuisine; first non-French chef to earn the title (2023), and 52nd Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire International, first prize; first Japanese winner (2018). For Kenichiro Sekiya, both honors place the work inside French culinary competition standards as well as Japanese representation on that stage.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Kenichiro
What is Kenichiro Sekiya's current role?
Kenichiro Sekiya is Executive Chef.
Where did Kenichiro Sekiya work before?
Earlier in their career, Kenichiro Sekiya worked at Lucas Carton, Pierre Gagnaire, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Paris.
What recognition has Kenichiro Sekiya received?
Meilleur Ouvrier de France – Cuisine; first non-French chef to earn the title (2023).
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