Chef Yuki Fukuda

Fukuda is originally from Saga Prefecture, entered the culinary world at the age of 26, driven by a simple desire: “to turn his passion into his profession.” He began his journey at Yakitori Rokkakudo in Fukuoka.

Despite a relatively late start, Chef Fukuda dedicated nearly a decade to rigorous training before moving to Hinadori Fujino in Tokyo. Through exhaustive research and practice, he mastered the intricacies of butchery, aging, skewering, and charcoal grilling—developing a signature style of his own. This expertise eventually led him to open his own restaurant, Shimokitazawa Yakitori Derby in Tokyo, which he has successfully operated for over six years.

Chef Fukuda’s unique techniques have earned him international acclaim, drawing chefs from around the world—including the United States and Australia—to fly in and learn from his expertise.

This May, Chef Fukuda will host an exclusive Yakitori Class. He will provide a detailed demonstration of his techniques, offering participants a deep understanding of why “Yakitori is much more than just skewering and grilling.”