i. Biography
In 2019, the Michelin Guide Tokyo awarded Yamasaki one star in Tokyo for Authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine. The recognition sits squarely on the craft itself: precise seasonal cooking, measured pacing, and a course structure built to move with control from first plate to last. Within that frame, Shiro Yamasaki’s tasting progression is known for inventive dishes centered on charcoal-grilled soft-shell turtle, with sake pairings used as a deliberate counterpoint rather than an afterthought.
Coming Up
Early training in Tokyo shaped the discipline behind the plate. As training chef at Morikawa in Tokyo, Japan, training chef at CHIUnE, and training chef at aca, Shiro Yamasaki worked through the kind of repetition that builds timing, consistency, and control. Those roles point to a kitchen education grounded in rigor and accumulation, where nuance had to be earned one service at a time. The result is a foundation of precision that later carried into the chef’s own work. Since 2018, Yamasaki has held the role of Owner Chef at Yamasaki. That position places the chef inside every decision that defines the restaurant’s kaiseki expression, from sequence to restraint to the parts of the menu that are left unsaid. In practice, the style reads as a living framework rather than a fixed code, shaped by season, ingredient, and the discipline to edit with care.
Where They Are Now
At Yamasaki in Tokyo, Authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine is built through rhythm, restraint, and careful ordering. The restaurant and Shiro Yamasaki are identified with a style that depends on precision more than display, where the sequence of dishes matters as much as any single course. The meal’s register comes through in the smoke of charcoal, the depth of soft-shell turtle, and sake pairings that work in step with the food. It is a quiet, detailed mode of service, one that asks the diner to pay attention to balance and pace.
Honors
Shiro's honors include Michelin Guide Tokyo one star (2019).
Profile updated August 2026
FAQ
Asked of Shiro
What is Shiro Yamasaki's current role?
As of 2026, Shiro Yamasaki is Owner Chef of Yamasaki.
Where did Shiro Yamasaki work before?
Shiro Yamasaki's earlier career included Morikawa, CHIUnE, and aca.
What recognition has Shiro Yamasaki received?
Michelin Guide Tokyo one star (2019).