Yuki Motokura, a talented Japanese pizzaiolo, has made a significant impact on Tokyo’s culinary scene with his restaurant, Pizza Marumo. Located in the Ebisu district, this establishment has gained fame for its fusion of Neapolitan techniques and Japanese ingredients, earning widespread acclaim and international recognition, including being named among the world’s top pizzaiolos by The Best Chef Awards in 2023.
The Biography
Born in 1991 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Yuki Motokura began his culinary journey by training in kaiseki cuisine, the Japanese art of multi-course dining. After working in renowned Italian restaurants and pizzerias, he honed his skills at Savoy, one of Tokyo’s most famous pizzerias. This experience was pivotal in developing his passion for Neapolitan pizza, which he later decided to reinterpret through the lens of his Japanese heritage.
In 2022, Motokura opened Pizza Marumo in the heart of Ebisu. The restaurant quickly gained notoriety for its blend of traditional Neapolitan pizzas and unique creations that incorporate Japanese flavors and ingredients. Among the most representative dishes is the "Japanese Umami," a pizza featuring shiitake mushroom cream, mozzarella, pecorino, mackerel, kombu, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), embodying the essence of his fusion approach. Other offerings include pizzas with teriyaki sauce, chicken sausage, and other innovative Japanese influences.
Motokura’s ability to merge diverse culinary cultures earned him recognition by The Best Chef Awards as one of the world’s top pizzaiolos in 2023, solidifying Pizza Marumo’s reputation as one of Tokyo’s premier pizza destinations. His meticulous attention to detail, from dough fermentation to creative flavor combinations, has made him a prominent figure in both the local and international gastronomic scenes.
