Entoten will be hosting various cultural events and workshops in collaboration with 4th generation Japanese chef Masa Ozasa from Kyoto, during August 22nd – September 1st, 2024
Masayoshi “Masa” Ozasa
Head Chef, Kyo-Ryori Matsusho, Kameoka, Kyoto, Japan
Masa Ozasa is a Japanese chef, culinary educator, a certified wine expert of the Japan Sommelier Association, and a certified educator of the German Wine Academy.
Masa is the head chef and 4th generation heir of Kyo-Ryori Matsusho Kyoto cuisine restaurant, located in Kameoka, Kyoto. Masa strives to create dishes at Matsusho that bring out the very best of the seasonal ingredients locally available in the agriculturally rich Kyo-Tamba region.
“Kyoto cuisine has a history of over 1200 years. It is said that the average peak career span of a Kyoto chef that carries the tradition is 30 years. Since I was little, I grew up watching my grandfather and father work in the kitchen. And even though I was young, I remember thinking that one day I would follow in their footsteps. I entered this tradition at the age of 19, and 2024 is my 23rd year. I believe that the meaning of my life is to pass on what my great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and myself have built over the last 80 years to the next generation.”
Culinary Background
After graduating from Kyoto Culinary Art College, Masa continued his culinary training for three years at Kinobu, one of the finest traditional restaurants in Kyoto.
From 2016 to 2020, he served as a part-time instructor at his alma mater, teaching Kyoto cuisine culture, sake, and wine to approximately 100 students every year.
In 2019, Masa began to introduce Kyoto cuisine overseas and has led successful Japanese food events in Rome, Arizona, and San Diego. In the same year, he represented Japanese Sommeliers at the German Wine Association Summer School. He is a certified educator and promoter of German Wine in Japan.
In 2023, Masa was selected to cook dinner for Alice Waters, the legendary American chef and pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, using Kameoka’s locally grown organic vegetables during her visit to Japan.
History of Kyo-Ryori Matsusho
Kyo-Ryori Matsusho started in 1936 in central Kyoto as a catering service. In 1980, it opened a restaurant and catering establishment in the city of Kameoka, providing a serene and relaxing fine dining venue in traditional style rooms surrounding a beautiful Japanese garden. Kameoka is just 20 minutes by fast train from central Kyoto.
Shinokami Kitaura 91-1 Shinocho, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0826 (Click for Google Maps)
Tel: +81-771-24-0567
Events:-
August 24th, 3:00 pm-
Kawaii Healthy Bento Class for Kids at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum with Table for Two
August 28th, 12:00 pm-
Exploring Traditional Kyoto Cuisine and Tea Pairing Experience with PARU
September 1st, 12:00 pm-
Kyoto-style Seasonal Vegetable Cooking Class TOIRO Kitchen
Visit Matsusho and Explore Beautiful Kameoka
For more information, contact Anna Namikawa at Fogin Association
fogin616@gmail.com
