HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO's Chef Tetsuya Asano of "TOKI" to Compete in Bocuse d'Or International Culinary Competition 2027, Participating in Asia-Pacific Preliminaries This Summer

Tetsuya Asano, Head Chef of "TOKI," the signature restaurant at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO (Location: 284, Nijo Aburano Koji-cho, Aburakoji-dori Nijo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; General Manager: Yuushi Kaseda), located in the heart of Kyoto City in front of the World Heritage site Nijo Castle, has been selected as the Japanese representative for the 2027 "Bocuse d'Or International Culinary Competition," a prestigious global French culinary contest.

The "Bocuse d'Or International Culinary Competition," founded in 1987 by Paul Bocuse, hailed as the "father of modern French cuisine," is a renowned global French culinary competition, often referred to as "the most honorable competition for chefs." The world finals are held every two years in Lyon, France.

The 2027 finals will take place over two days, January 24th (Sunday) and 25th (Monday), 2027, at the "Sirha Lyon" international catering exhibition venue in Lyon, France. Competition will be fierce among representatives from a total of 24 countries, including those who have advanced through continental preliminaries in five regions (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East) and special wildcard entries.

Prior to participating in the Asia-Pacific competition this summer, a press conference hosted by Bocuse d'Or JAPAN will be held at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO on June 25, 2026, targeting media and press representatives.

We will hear directly from Chef Asano about his aspirations as he challenges the world's pinnacle culinary competition, joined by distinguished guest chefs: Rasmus Kofoed, owner and chef of "Geranium" in Denmark, a leading top chef; Daniel Calvert, former Executive Chef of "SEZANNE"; and Kenichiro Sekiya, Executive Chef of "Joël Robuchon."

【Bocuse d'Or JAPAN Press Conference Overview】

Event Name: Bocuse d'Or Japan Press Conference & Reception

Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 14:00 - 16:00

Venue: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO (284, Nijo Aburano Koji-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City)

Special Guests:

Rasmus Kofoed, Owner Chef of "Geranium" (Most decorated medalist in Bocuse d'Or history)

Daniel Calvert, Former Executive Chef of "SEZANNE"

Kenichiro Sekiya, Executive Chef of "Joël Robuchon"

Organizer: General Incorporated Association Bocuse d'Or JAPAN

Contact: General Incorporated Association Bocuse d'Or JAPAN (TEL: 06-6536-8370)

Official Website: http://www.bocusedorjapon.jp/

Profile: Tetsuya Asano

After training at numerous renowned restaurants in the Netherlands and France, Tetsuya Asano worked at "Ritz Paris." In 2017, he became the first Japanese national to be appointed Deputy Executive Chef overseeing the main dining room at "Ritz Paris." He managed all restaurants within the hotel alongside the Executive Chef, including "Espadon," which earned two Michelin stars. In December 2019, he assumed the role of Head Chef at "TOKI" at "HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO." In November 2023, he was selected as the Japanese representative for the 2027 Bocuse d'Or International Culinary Competition.

About HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO was born on November 3, 2020, on the former grounds of the Mitsui family's main residence, which had existed for over 250 years, near Nijo Castle. It features 160 guest rooms crafted from carefully selected natural materials and artisanal techniques, three restaurants and bars offering exquisite ingredients and the exceptional skills of our chefs, and a SPA area where guests can enjoy natural hot springs originating from the property. Furthermore, it was selected for the highest rating of "3 Michelin Keys" for two consecutive years in the "Michelin Guide Hotels Selection" announced in October 2025. It also ranked 46th in "The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025" and received the highest "5-Star" rating for the fifth consecutive year in "Forbes Travel Guide 2026." Under the brand concept "EMBRACING JAPAN’S BEAUTY," the hotel cherishes the unique beauty found in Japanese traditions, architecture, crafts, and cuisine, while providing exceptional experiences and relaxation to all guests. In 2026, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will open in Kowakudani, Hakone, as a new hotel under the HOTEL THE MITSUI brand. For the latest information on HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, please visit www.hotelthemitsui.com.