Image source: Menya Itto official website
Bringing years of culinary experience to the Menya Koji Group, he built a light that continues to bring joy through ramen and people.
PROFILE
- BACKGROUND
- French cuisine and varied kitchens
- LINEAGE
- Menya Koji / master Osamu Tomita
- INDEPENDENCE
- 2010, age 42
- BASE
- Shin-Koiwa, Katsushika, Tokyo
THE LINEAGE
MASTER
TO
DISCIPLE
After working in French cuisine and several other fields, Yukihiko Sakamoto joined the Menya Koji Group. Recognized by Koji Tashiro, he learned both craft and character while regarding Osamu Tomita as his master.
In 2010, at age 42, he opened Menya Itto in Shin-Koiwa, Tokyo. The name expresses a hope that each person becomes a light where they stand, and that many lights together can illuminate the world.
His work considers not only the happiness of guests, but also that of the people beside him. In that continuing challenge, the teaching moves from one person to the next.
MILESTONES
A LIFE
IN
RAMEN
EARLY CAREER
Experience through a winding path
He worked in French cuisine and across several fields, continuing to search for work he could devote his life to rather than judge by gain alone.
AGE 40
Ramen becomes his life's work
Training in the Menya Koji Group and regarding Osamu Tomita as his master, he learned not only flavor but the heart brought to the work.
2010
Menya Itto opens
Recognized by Koji Tashiro, he opened in Shin-Koiwa at 42. Customers who had supported him during training became part of the new shop's foundation.
TODAY
Turning gratitude into challenge
He treats giving back to everyone who supported the shop as its mission and continues to take on new challenges with his team.
THE PRACTICE INHERITED
Individual lights come together to illuminate the shop.
The name Itto carries the idea that each person can illuminate the place where they stand, and those individual lights can become a greater force together.
The happiness of the team matters alongside the bowl served to each guest. By placing people at the center, inherited teaching is carried forward.
SOURCES & OFFICIAL INFORMATION