Honorary Chairman
Shigeo Kimura｜Ginkgo Japanese Restaurant
- Recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays (2025)
- Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award (2022)
- Commendation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan (2021)
Mr. Kimura immigrated to Toronto in 1973 and has been engaged in the Japanese restaurant industry for over 50 years. In 2004, he founded the Japanese Restaurant Association of Canada (JRAC), bringing together Japanese restaurants and sake agents in Toronto. As Chairman, he has led initiatives such as the “Wagashi Matsuri,” contributing significantly to the promotion of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, and sake, as well as the broader dissemination of Japanese food culture in Canada.
Chairman
Seiichi Kashiwabara｜Zen Japanese Restaurant / Zen Sanuki Udon
- Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award (2023)
- Goodwill Ambassador for the Promotion of Japanese Cuisine (2022)
Mr. Kashiwabara moved to Ottawa in 1984 and began his career as a sushi chef. He later relocated to Toronto in 1991, where he continued to build his career before opening Zen Japanese Restaurant in 2000. In 2019, he launched Zen Sanuki Udon, specializing in Sanuki-style udon made with Japanese wheat flour and natural dashi. As a long-standing JRAC board member, he has played a key role in promoting Japanese cuisine and culinary culture in Canada.
Board Members
Shotaro Ozawa｜Ozawa Canada
Mitsuru Anzai｜Izakaya Ju
Atsushi Murase｜True World Foods Canada
Osamu Shiohara｜TORJA Japanese Magazine