The Japanese always seem quite pragmatic and rational. Yoshi Fujiwara

The Japanese always seem quite pragmatic and rational. Our conversation with Chef Yoshi Fujiwara has been like this: the answers to the questions were so clear that there was nothing else to add! But his level of openness surprised me, cause he was smiling all the time and this smile motivated me to talk, talk, talk.

Your life aspiration, what inspires you?

Which answer is correct? (addresses to his assistant and laughs) Different foods and activity!

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase "East meets West"?

Let me give you an example: in Japan, in the city I grew up in, there used to be American military bases and it was interesting for me to watch and compare what do we have in our culture and what is their culture. It was such an exchange.

What is the greatest difference between Japanese and Ukrainian culture?

People and work. In Japan, when we work, we always plan everything in order to understand what comes next. Here it is a little bit different: many begin to move only when something has already happened. Lack of planning.

How to open a good restaurant in Kiev?

You need to take care of people and always think about them. Everything is about people, from kitchen workers to guests!

What would you like to have in Kiev from what you had in Japan?

Actually, everything is quite obvious: fish!

Do you have your favorite comfort meal? Something that is not always healthy, but what you'd really love to eat sometimes.

I really like yakitori! I never get tired of them.

What is the relationship between beauty and food?

Beauty is inside! That is, if you eat bad food and don't care about what gets into your stomach at all, it will then affect your appearance.

Do you believe in superfoods?

I try to stay up-to-date on what people like now and study what people ate in the past. I can't really call myself a traditionalist, but I like this approach. I believe in simple and obvious superfoods like citrus fruits!

What is the first thing you think about when you wake up?

Food, of course! (Laughs)

Do you have any personal rituals?

There is one point that I know: some use sake as a beauty product: it makes the skin more elastic and hydrated, plus it lightens the skin a little bit!

Beauty boom in Asia is indeed a fact. Did this have any effect on you?

You know, in one country, let's not mention it, people are indeed obsessed with plastic surgery! They like to change a lot in themselves. But I don't like change! On the other hand, if they want it, and if there is an opportunity, why not?

How do you interact with your Kiev team?

I talk, talk, talk, and then I repeat: 10-100-1000 times!

Aren't you tired of it?

Not yet! (Laughs)

How do you deal with stress?

I zone out: I close my eyes, ignore the sounds. It helps!

Do you have your personal time?

Well, see, when you have a business - you don't really have your PERSONAL time! You work 24 hours a day.

Abstract question: what color do you think of when you think of Kiev?

Green!

Where would you like to die?

Good question! Sooner or later, everyone is going to die anyway, and since I have the opportunity to travel, I would like this to happen in an interesting country!

Flowers: АNA

Guest: chef Yoshi Fujiwara