PLANO, Texas (Jan. 17, 2024) – Lexus is proud to welcome acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and tv persona Shota Nakajima to its esteemed crew of Lexus Culinary Masters. In his newly appointed position, Nakajima will function an envoy to the model, crafting wonderful experiences and amplifying Lexus core values of innovation, omotenashi, and grasp craftsmanship.

Trained underneath Michelin Star-rated Chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto in Osaka, Japan on the age of 18, Chef Nakajima set his sights on bringing his mentor’s strategy to hospitality and Japanese delicacies again to his hometown of Seattle, WA.

Combining the formidable expertise along with his personal perspective and imaginative purposes, his dream was realized at age 25 with the opening of his restaurant, Adana, in Capital Hill. By early 2020, Nakajima opened Taku that includes karaage, Japanese fried rooster, after which Kobo Pizza in 2022 serving rectangular pies impressed by Detroit-style pizzas with Japanese affect.

“Serving up modern dishes that masterfully encapsulate the traditional flavors of our Japanese heritage, Chef Nakajima is an exceptional addition to the Lexus family,” stated Kevin Higgins, Lexus normal supervisor of selling. “We are thrilled to bring his passion for tradition and culinary innovation to our entire community and look forward to his future contributions to the Culinary Masters program.” 

Chef Nakajima is a three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, recipient of Eater’s ‘Young Guns’ award, and acknowledged as a Zagat ‘30 Under 30’ chef, amongst different accolades. He competed on Season 18 of Bravo’s Top Chef, putting as a prime three finalist, and has made appearances on the Food Network’s Iron Chef Gauntlet, Beat Bobby Flay, and Tournament of Champions.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside a celebrated team of culinary visionaries,” stated Chef Nakajima. “I look forward to deepening my relationship with the Lexus brand and building amazing experiences for its community.”

As a Lexus Culinary Master, Nakajima will accomplice with the model on advertising and marketing initiatives and meals and wine occasions. In September 2023, previous to his official induction to the crew, Nakajima represented the model on the Hamburger Hop occasion at famend meals pageant Chicago Gourmet, taking residence the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards for his mouthwatering Osaka Burger.

The Lexus Culinary Masters crew is at the moment comprised of a few of the nation’s most prestigious cooks, restaurateurs and culinary personalities. Nakajima joins James Beard Award-winning cooks Kwame Onwuachi, Michelle Bernstein, Stephanie Izard, Jon Shook, and Vinny Dotolo; Michelin star-awarded cooks Ludo Lefebvre and Carlo Mirarchi; celebrated sommelier Carlton McCoy; and the “father of Southern Cuisine” Dean Fearing within the distinction.

• Add to Cart
• Print
• Convert to PDF