Makoto Iwata is the founder of Ginza Kagari and the President & CEO of Adesso Inc., a culinary production company built around craftsmanship, hospitality, and living in the moment. He began his journey at 20, training in Italian and French restaurants before opening his first Italian venue in 1996. Since then, he’s grown Adesso into a multi-brand food service business — while still staying hands-on in the kitchen as a chef-executive.  

In 2013, he launched Ginza Kagari in a small alleyway in Tokyo’s Ginza district with just eight counter seats, redefining ramen as something closer to fine dining. Inspired by traditional Japanese ryokan hospitality, he created a space where guests could experience warmth, refinement, and intention — without needing to stay overnight. 

Kagari’s signature dish, Tori Paitan Soba, became internationally recognised for its creamy chicken broth, seasonal vegetables, sous-vide chicken chashu, and truffle oil — plated with the delicacy of kaiseki cuisine. The restaurant earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2016 and 2017, celebrating its high-quality food and exceptional value. Today, Ginza Kagari has expanded across Japan and overseas, including locations in Hong Kong and Taiwan, becoming one of the most iconic modern ramen brands in the world.

At the heart of it all is Iwata’s belief: no matter how the world changes, every bowl should still be made with soul.