Makoto Okuwa

Makoto

Makoto Okuwa is a Master of Modern Japanese cuisine and Edomae-style sushi. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Chef Makoto has developed his own style, combining traditional Japanese cooking with contemporary innovation.

Makoto’s culinary education started in his hometown of Nagoya, Japan. At 15, he began apprenticeships with master sushi chefs Makoto Kumazaki and Shinichi Takegasa, ultimately working...

Makoto’s culinary education started in his hometown of Nagoya, Japan. At 15, he began apprenticeships with master sushi chefs Makoto Kumazaki and Shinichi Takegasa, ultimately working for Chef Haruyoshi Matsuda, a key ﬁgure in the introduction of sushi worldwide. After a decade of training, and moving to the United States, he worked closely with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto before going on to open his own restaurants.

In 2011, Makoto partnered with famed restaurateur Stephen Starr to create his eponymous restaurant in the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami. Today, Makoto Bal Harbour is the highest revenue Japanese restaurant in the country. With restaurants all over the world, including Miami, Florida; Washington, D.C.; Vail, Colorado; Panama City, Panama; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and São Paulo, Brazil; Makoto has received a nod from Michelin and been recognized by the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Contribution.

In 2024, Makoto celebrated his partnership with Princess Cruises launching Makoto Ocean and due to the success and demand, Makoto Ocean has been now under development for seven other ships worldwide.

Coming in 2025, Makoto will be opening his ﬁrst restaurant in Europe located in Madrid with a menu that showcases his beautiful dishes and unique take on Japanese tradition.