Christmas Dinner at Meiji Kinenkan: A BONJOUR FRANCE Collaboration

The main building of Meiji Kinenkan, designated a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is an exceptional testament to the palace architecture of the Meiji era. The only surviving remains of its kind to have been preserved to this day, it possesses considerable historical value and symbolizes Japan’s journey toward modernity.

Its history dates back to October 1881 (Meiji 14), when the Gokaishokujō, or “Banquet Hall,” was completed on the site of the present-day Akasaka Palace, which at the time served as a temporary imperial residence.

This hall hosted diplomatic receptions at which Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken received members of foreign royal families as well as dignitaries from around the world. It also served as the imperial dining hall and was used on numerous occasions for banquets and official meals.

In 1888 (Meiji 21), the building was also the setting for a decisive event in Japan’s constitutional history: in the presence of Emperor Meiji, the Privy Council held sessions there devoted to examining the draft Constitution of the Empire of Japan. This place is therefore closely linked to the birth of Japan as a modern constitutional state.

The building also bears witness to Empress Shōken’s determination to promote the modernization of the country and the adoption of Western clothing. In August 1886 (Meiji 19), the Empress herself wore a Western-style dress and received foreign guests at this location for the first time in such attire.

Through this initiative, she notably wished to encourage the development of domestic industries through the Westernization of clothing. Her resolve, summed up in these words: “If it can serve the country, I will do anything,” inspired women of the upper classes and contributed to the spread of Western fashion in Japan.

This change in clothing also had consequences for the interior design of the hall. In order to meet the requirements of diplomatic receptions and facilitate the wearing of Western-style dresses, the floor, initially covered with carpets, was subsequently renovated and fitted with geometrically patterned parquet flooring, made using the Japanese yosegi-bari technique.

Subsequently, the building was bestowed upon Itō Hirobumi, a major figure in the drafting of the Constitution. In 1918 (Taishō 7), it was relocated to its present location in a section of the outer gardens of Meiji Jingu Shrine and was given the name Kempō Kinenkan, or “Constitution Memorial Hall.”

After hosting numerous events of national and social importance, it opened its doors on November 1, 1947 (Shōwa 22), under the name Meiji Kinenkan, as a reception venue for Meiji Jingu. In 2020 (Reiwa 2), its main building was officially designated a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Emperor Meiji laid the foundations of modern Japan, while Empress Shōken devoted her efforts to the development of culture, women’s education, and charitable activities. Her humanitarian commitment is notably embodied in the Empress Shōken Fund, established in support of the activities of the Red Cross and considered the oldest international humanitarian fund of its kind in the world.

Even today, the main building of Meiji Kinenkan perpetuates the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. It continues to convey to present generations the spirit of their era, their commitment to serving the country, and the momentum that accompanied the birth of modern Japan.

1986 – Nihonbashi Club
1986 – Hotel Pacific Tokyo
1989 – Joined the Imperial Hotel
1993 – Seconded to the Consulate-General of Japan in Marseille, France
1997 – Training at Palais Maeterlinck, Nice
2006 – Chef of Les Saisons Restaurant, Imperial Hotel (1 Michelin star)
2009 – Chef of La Brasserie Restaurant, Imperial Hotel
2015 – Head Chef, Tokyo International Forum Department, Imperial Hotel
2016 – Secretary-General of the Disciples Escoffier Japan Association
2019 – Joined the culinary department of Meiji Kinenkan
2021 – Appointed Executive Chef of Western Cuisine at the culinary department of Meiji Kinenkan (now Meiji Kinenkan C&S), a position currently held

Awards and Distinctions

1995 – 3rd place in the Jean-Louis Fino Culinary Competition (France)
1998 – Commendation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs
2004 – 1st prize in the 2nd Escoffier French Cuisine Competition
2006 – 4th place in the Japanese selection for the 11th Bocuse d’Or
2008 – 3rd place in the Japanese selection for the 12th Bocuse d’Or