The people behind Roketsu
- Our Team -
[ Takumi ]
At Roketsu, every element of the experience — the food, the drink, the atmosphere — is curated by someone who has spent a lifetime in their craft. It is this quiet accumulation of expertise, brought together under one roof in Marylebone, that makes Roketsu what it is.
Toshimasa Tanahashi
[ Head Chef ]
With over 30 years at the forefront of Japanese cuisine, Chef Tanahashi is the culinary foundation of Roketsu. His cooking embodies the Kappo philosophy — a deep respect for classical technique and an unwavering attentiveness to each ingredient, refined through decades of quiet, craftsman-like enquiry.
"I bring European sensibility to Japanese cuisine. The result is something that exists nowhere else."
Hideki Hiwatashi
[ Consulting Chef ]
Chef Hiwatashi brings to Roketsu the full arc of Japanese culinary tradition — from the bold, elemental flavours of his native Hokkaido to the refined precision of Kyoto’s most exacting kitchens. With decades at the highest level of Japanese dining, he works closely with the kitchen to shape the depth and rigour that underpins every dish served at Roketsu.
"Let the kitchen come to you. Each dish unfolds before your eyes — savour it with all your senses."
Ryosuke Mashio
[ Sommelier ]
One of London’s finest Japanese sommeliers, Ryosuke pairs across the full spectrum — wine, sake, and non-alcoholic — drawing each into conversation with the food on the plate. His deep understanding of Japanese cuisine makes his pairings feel less like a list of options and more like a natural extension of the meal. He serves as a Senior Judge at the Sake Division of the International Wine Challenge.
" For every guest, I hope to offer something beyond the meal — a pairing, a discovery, a memory worth keeping. "
Kenichi Kakuta
[ General Manager ]
Kenichi ensures that every element of an evening at Roketsu holds together. With decades of experience across high-end Japanese dining in London and Europe — spanning large-scale restaurant groups and independent consultancy — he brings a practised understanding of hospitality at its most considered. His presence shapes not just the service, but the entire experience of the room.
"Every guest who walks through our door deserves something special. I am here to ensure that each visit to Roketsu is an experience to treasure."