Hajime Yoneda is a visionary and innovative chef, founder of the acclaimed restaurant Hajime in Osaka. Combining his engineering precision and culinary passion, Yoneda has swiftly elevated his restaurant to three Michelin stars, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures in global gastronomy.
The Biography
Born in October 1972 in Osaka, Hajime Yoneda initially pursued a career as a design engineer before dedicating himself to cooking. After working as an electronic engineer, he decided to follow his true passion by attending culinary school in Osaka. He further honed his skills by working in various restaurants in Japan and France. In May 2008, he opened Hajime in Osaka, quickly earning three Michelin stars within just 17 months, a record in the culinary world.
Hajime has consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Asia and the world, featuring in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list and maintaining its three Michelin stars year after year. In 2018, the restaurant was ranked 34th in The World's 50 Best Restaurants, confirming its global prestige.
Yoneda's cuisine is a blend of art and science, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a profound respect for nature. His signature dish, "Chikyu" (Planet Earth), is a microcosm of the Earth, featuring 110 different types of vegetables, grains, and herbs arranged to evoke the natural cycle of water and life.
In addition to his culinary work, Yoneda is known for his social commitment. He participated in relief efforts during the Great East Japan Earthquake and negotiated with the Japanese government for a compensation system for the restaurant industry during the pandemic.
