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

The revolutionary of the Japanese culinary world, born in Osaka.

Toshiro Kandagawa brought bold innovations to the once-formal world of Japanese cuisine, spreading the message of "sharing the charm of Japanese food with 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 globally 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 Poured His Heart into Cooking ―

In April 2021, the sudden news of his passing due to COVID-19 was announced. He was 81. It was a departure that came far too soon.

However, at his first memorial service the following year, many disciples from all over the country gathered, lining up and saying, "We wanted to see our master." Their presence quietly spoke to how deeply Kandagawa was admired by so many.

His disciples recall: "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.