Japanese Chef Seiji Yamamoto Named Inaugural Winner of the American Express Icon Award

TOKYO,Feb. 12,2019 -- Japanese chef Seiji Yamamoto is the inaugural winner of the American Express Icon Award. A new addition to the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2019awards programme,the American Express Icon Award celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the restaurant industry worthy of international recognition.

Japanese chef Seiji Yamamoto is the inaugural winner of the American Express Icon Award. A new addition to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 awards programme,the American Express Icon Award celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the restaurant industry worthy of international recognition.

Known for his attention to detail and mastery of seasonal Japanese ingredients,Yamamoto innovates Japanese cuisine through modern cooking techniques and creative execution.

In 2003,Yamamoto opened Nihonryori RyuGin,an intimate 18-seat restaurant in Tokyo's Roppongi district. After 15 years at its original address,Nihonryori RyuGin moved to the new Midtown Hibiya development in Tokyo in summer 2018.

The recipient of multiple honours,including three Michelin stars,Nihonryori RyuGin placed No.41 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2018 list and has ranked within the top 10 of the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for six consecutive years.

Yamamoto opened Tenku RyuGin in Hong Kong in 2012,which debuted on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2014. This was followed the same year by Shoun Ryugin in Taipei,Taiwan,which made its debut on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2018 at No.47.

Chef Yamamoto will receive the American Express Icon Award at the seventh annual ceremony to celebrate Asia's 50 Best Restaurants,sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna,on Tuesday 26th March2019at Wynn Palace in Macao.

The award is voted for by the 300-plus members of the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2019 Academy. Each voter's choice can be based on specific projects and achievements,or on an individual's overall influence and cumulative success.

Accepting the honour,Yamamoto said: "Japanese cuisine is a way of celebrating the richness of our culture and the beauty of our natural environment. I am very grateful that the members of the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy have recognised my efforts and honoured me with this prestigious award.I will continue to innovate and introduce Japanese culture and culinary traditions to diners from around the world."

Media can access additional images of Chef Yamamoto and his restaurants from the following link:

http://ftp.catchonco.com/A50B2019_IconAwardImages_ChefandRestaurant.zip

Photo - /20190211/2371235-1