Exploring the Beliefs of Toshiro Kandagawa, the 'Revolutionary of Japanese Cuisine' Born in Osaka! A Close Look at the Birth of a New 'Kandagawa' Menu
TV Osaka broadcasts a documentary on the late Toshiro Kandagawa.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 29, 2026 at 16:44
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 21:27 (1396h 42m after Published)
The revolutionary of the Japanese culinary world, born in Osaka.
Toshiro Kandagawa brought bold innovations to the highly formal world of Japanese cuisine, spreading the message of "the charm of Japanese cuisine to the world!" His creative cooking was loved by many as a new genre called "New Japanese Cuisine."
According to the Japan Tourism Agency's "Consumption Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan (March 2025)," the number one thing foreigners look forward to most when visiting Japan is "eating Japanese food."
Part of the reason why Japanese food is so highly regarded around the world today lies in the presence of Toshiro Kandagawa, who opened the doors to Japanese cuisine and continued to share its joy.
― Tracing the 'Truth' of a Man Who Put His Heart into Cooking ―
In April 2021, news of his sudden passing due to COVID-19 was announced. He was 81 years old. It was a farewell that came far too soon.
However, at his first memorial service the following year, many disciples from all over the country rushed to attend. The sight of them lining up, saying, "I wanted to see my master," spoke volumes about how much Kandagawa was loved by so many.
His disciples say: "He was strict. But he was even warmer than that." "He taught us to be a good person before being a good cook."
His eldest son, Nozomu Otake, inherited his aspirations. However, when the program staff visited the "Kandagawa Main Store" for the first time in four and a half years, the site had become a parking lot.
FAQ
Who is Toshiro Kandagawa and what is he known for in the culinary world?
Toshiro Kandagawa is a revolutionary figure in Japanese cuisine, born in Osaka, who introduced bold innovations and spread the message of "the charm of Japanese cuisine to the world!" He is credited with creating a new genre called "New Japanese Cuisine."
What is the significance of Japanese food for foreign visitors to Japan, according to the article?
According to the Japan Tourism Agency's "Consumption Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan (March 2025)," eating Japanese food is the number one thing foreigners look forward to most when visiting Japan.
When and how did Toshiro Kandagawa pass away?
Toshiro Kandagawa suddenly passed away in April 2021 due to COVID-19 at the age of 81.
How did Kandagawa's disciples remember him after his passing?
His disciples remembered him as being strict but even warmer, and they emphasized that he taught them to be a good person before being a good cook.
Who inherited Toshiro Kandagawa's aspirations, and what was the current state of his main store?
His eldest son, Nozomu Otake, inherited his aspirations. However, the "Kandagawa Main Store" had become a parking lot when program staff visited it.