Announcing the Launch of 'Chef Connection,' a Food Promotion Platform Connecting Top Chefs with Corporations

Zeroside Inc. (Head office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Tadashi Bise) will officially launch 'Chef Connection,' a promotion support platform that connects top-tier chefs with corporations, on May 15, 2026.

Chef Connection brings together chefs from restaurants highly rated in famous overseas gourmet guidebooks and major domestic gourmet websites, as well as culinary creators from various food genres. Covering a wide range of categories including Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, Spice/Curry, and Sweets, the platform provides powerful support for corporate promotional activities.

[Service URL] https://chef-connection.jp/

Background of the Service

Until now, chefs who rely on their skills have had limited opportunities to apply their knowledge and expertise outside the kitchen. Meanwhile, corporations are increasingly seeking to emphasize 'authenticity' and 'genuineness' to appeal to consumers. Chef Connection was created to establish a system where chefs can participate in corporate promotions by leveraging their expertise. It aims to generate new innovation between chefs and companies by simultaneously 'creating new opportunities for chefs' and 'enhancing corporate appeal.'

What is Chef Connection?

Based on the concept of 'creating new opportunities for chefs beyond the confines of the kitchen,' this platform aims to be a bridge connecting chefs and companies through food.

- Genres: Japanese / Chinese / Italian / French / Spice & Curry / Sweets - Chef Qualifications & Achievements: Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand listed restaurants / Tabelog Hyakumeiten (Top 100) selected restaurants / Global Chefs / Five-star Rice Meisters, etc.

Three Key Features of the Service

1. 'Genuine Appeal' from Chefs of Highly-Rated Restaurants in Famous Overseas Gourmet Guides and Domestic Review Sites

The chefs registered with Chef Connection are accomplished professionals recognized by actual customers. Chefs from restaurants highly rated in famous overseas gourmet guidebooks and major domestic gourmet websites will undertake recipe development, PR content creation, and event appearances using the company's products.

2. A Network of Chefs Across Genres, from Japanese and Western to Chinese and Spices

We have a lineup of chefs covering all food genres, including Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian, Spice/Curry, and Sweets. Companies can select a chef that matches their product's worldview, enabling them to reach diverse target audiences. It is also possible to request professionals with deep expertise in specific fields, such as Five-star Rice Meisters and Global Chefs.

3. 対応 to Diverse Promotion Formats

Chefs can be utilized in various ways according to the company's promotional objectives.

- Recipe development and supervision (creating and providing new menus that utilize the product) - Content creation for videos and social media (cooking videos and review content by chefs) - Speaking engagements and demonstrations at events and exhibitions - Featuring chef recommendation comments on product packaging and advertising materials - Feedback and tasting supervision during the product development stage

- Main Participating Chefs (Partial Introduction)

Koichiro Sugimoto (Nezu Yakitori Teruzumi) / Owner-chef of a super-popular restaurant highly acclaimed in famous overseas gourmet guidebooks and domestic gourmet sites for its Yakitori that pursues the ultimate taste of Hinai chicken. Takeshi Yamanaka (Sichuan Cuisine Ryunoko) / As the head chef of a super-popular restaurant highly rated on domestic gourmet sites as a master of authentic Sichuan cuisine, he continues to take on new challenges while preserving history and tradition.

Takaaki Omura (Pulse) / Obtained the 'Maître de Canardier,' a special qualification for duck cuisine, at the youngest age in the world at the time. While respecting traditional French cooking techniques, he fascinates people with delicate and original dishes that skillfully incorporate seasonal ingredients nurtured by Japan's rich four seasons. Riki Onodera (Five-star Rice Meister) / A rice specialist who has conducted over 200 taste appraisals from Hokkaido to Kagoshima, understanding the taste differences of each producer to propose the most suitable rice for retailers and food-related companies.

- Service Overview

Service Name Chef Connection

Service Start Date Friday, May 15, 2026

Service URL https://chef-connection.jp/

Contact https://chef-connection.jp/contact/

Operating Company Zeroside Inc.

- Comment from the Service Manager

'A chef's brilliance is not confined to the kitchen; their knowledge, aesthetics, and skills have the power to enrich society's entire food culture. Through Chef Connection, we hope that top chefs will participate in corporate promotional activities and...'