Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura's Chef Yuichi Inui Selected as One of 'Six Rising Chefs'

Chef Yuichi Inui of Restaurant Chambord, Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura (Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City: President Shunichi Noguchi), has been selected as a Focus Chef for Diners Club France Restaurant Week 2026, Japan’s largest French cuisine event. He is one of only six chefs selected nationwide. Chef Inui is gaining attention as a skilled culinary artist who combines traditional French techniques with modern approaches to highlight the rich flavors of Kyushu’s seasonal ingredients.

Through its participation in this event, the hotel will promote the charm of French cuisine while advancing environmentally and socially responsible initiatives centered on sustainable food cycles and food waste reduction.

※Diners Club France Restaurant Week Logo※Chef Yuichi Inui

About 'Diners Club France Restaurant Week'

'Diners Club France Restaurant Week' is Japan’s largest French culinary festival, running from September 18 (Fri) to October 18 (Sun), 2026, with over 500 French restaurants nationwide participating. First launched in Japan in 2011, the 2026 edition marks its 16th year, with the theme 'Sustainable French – A Gastronomic Experience for the Future.' Participating restaurants will present special menus that incorporate sustainable practices such as environmental stewardship, support for producers, food waste reduction, and the use of local ingredients, showcasing the unique deliciousness of French cuisine and a vision for the future of food.

'Focus Chefs' are selected for their unique culinary philosophies and concepts, and for actively promoting the appeal of regional ingredients—chefs expected to lead the future of French cuisine in Japan.

A Special Dish by Chef Inui for Diners Club France Restaurant Week

'Confit and Mousse of Mirai Salmon from Buzen City, Fukuoka Prefecture,

with Perilla from Fukuoka and Boursin Black Truffle Salt Sauce,

Accompanied by Calamansi Jelly'

A dish featuring 'Mirai Salmon' from Buzen City, raised through sustainable land-based aquaculture. The delicate richness of the salmon's fat is enhanced by Fukuoka-grown perilla and calamansi jelly. The bright citrus acidity lifts the umami, while the 'Boursin Black Truffle Salt' adds an elegant aroma and depth, resulting in a refined and sophisticated flavor.

※Image is for illustration purposes only.

Chef Yuichi Inui's Comment

'I am deeply honored by this selection. I sincerely thank our customers and producers who support us every day. I aim to honor the inherent charm of Kyushu’s ingredients and express their individuality through each dish. Moving forward, I will continue to practice sustainable cooking that makes full use of ingredients without waste, while pursuing the true essence of French cuisine.'

≪Profile of Yuichi Inui≫

March 2006 Joined Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka), Royal Hotel Co., Ltd.

November 2020 Awarded the Osaka Prefecture Young Outstanding Artisan Award ('Naniwa Meiko Wakaba-sho')

February 2021 Finalist, Toque d'Or Culinary Competition

November 2021 Sous Chef, Supply Hot, Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka)

August 2022 Finalist, 10th Escoffier Culinary Competition

June 2023 Overseas Culinary Training (France) [Three Michelin Stars] Le Prélude - Cheval Blanc Paris [Two Michelin Stars] Jean Sulpice, Savoie region, France

April 2025 Appointed Chef, Restaurant Chambord, Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura

※Chef Yuichi Inui

※Example of dishes previously created by Chef Inui (illustrative)

≪Overview of Restaurant Chambord≫

A one-of-a-kind French restaurant in Kitakyushu, offering beautiful west-facing night views from its high floors.

A renowned French restaurant named after the French château 'Chambord.' Enjoy exquisite French cuisine slowly, accompanied by the ever-changing gradient from sunset to night view.

Opening Hours

17:30–20:30 (Last Order 20:00)

Operating Days

Fridays to Sundays

※Lunch service will also be available during the Restaurant Week period.

Location

28th Floor, Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura

Seats

40 seats ※All seats are non-smoking

Website

https://www.rihga.co.jp/kokura/restaurant/list/chambord

Hotel Official Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rihgaroyalhotel.kokura/

Operations During Diners Club France Restaurant Week

During the Diners Club France Restaurant Week, we will offer special lunch and dinner courses featuring Chef Inui’s exclusive dish: 'Confit and Mousse of Mirai Salmon from Buzen City, Fukuoka Prefecture, with Perilla from Fukuoka and Boursin Black Truffle Salt Sauce, Accompanied by Calamansi Jelly.' Further details will be announced on our official website as they become available.

We invite you to experience Chef Inui’s interpretation of Kyushu’s ingredients and the world of French cuisine.

＜Customer Inquiries＞ Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura TEL. 093-531-1121 (Main)

Website https://www.rihga.co.jp/kokura

＜Diners Club France Restaurant Week 2026＞

Website https://francerestaurantweek.com/