Kenji Tanaka
板前長
Head Itamae
Born in Osaka and trained for over two decades in the kitchens of Tokyo's most celebrated sushi-ya, Chef Kenji Tanaka brings an uncompromising dedication to the Edo-mae tradition. His knife work is legendary; his palate, unmatched. At the age of eighteen he began his apprenticeship under the late Master Hiroshi Mori, spending seven years mastering the fundamentals before earning the right to stand behind the counter.
Chef Tanaka believes that great sushi begins long before the fish reaches the counter. He visits Tsukiji market personally each morning, selecting only what meets his exacting standards before the restaurant opens its doors. His relationships with fishermen and suppliers span three decades, ensuring ZenSushi receives the finest seasonal catches available anywhere in the world.
In 2019, Chef Tanaka was awarded the prestigious Shokunin Award by the Japan Culinary Federation — recognition of a lifetime devoted to the art of sushi. He continues to mentor the next generation of itamae, passing on the philosophy that technique is nothing without heart.
