Chef
Motokazu Nakamura
Head Chef & Owner, Isshisoden Nakamura
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Kyoto, Japan
Known for
- Sixth-generation custodian of 200-year-old Kyoto kaiseki tradition
- Blending heritage kaiseki with food science and doctorate-level research
- Signature guji tilefish grilled over binchotan charcoal brushed with sake
- Three Michelin stars since 2011
i. Biography
Motokazu Nakamura is the sixth-generation head chef and owner of Isshisoden Nakamura (also known as Isshi Souden Nakamura), a Kyoto kaiseki restaurant founded in 1827 that has held three Michelin stars consecutively since 2011. He blends centuries-old family traditions, passed down from father to son since the Edo period, with scientific research, including collaborations with Kyoto University on ingredient analysis and fermentation. Nakamura supervises in-flight meals for EVA Air's business class and received the 2025 Global Recognition Award for his innovative approach to Kyoto cuisine.
Profile updated April 2026
