Chen Kenmin

Chen Kenmin (simplified Chinese: 陈建民; traditional Chinese: 陳建民; pinyin: Chén Jiànmín; Japanese: 陳 建民 Chin Kenmin); (June 27, 1912 – May 12, 1990) was a Chinese-born Japanese chef. He was known as the father of Chen Kenichi, the Iron Chef Chinese on the television show Iron Chef. Born in Yibin, Sichuan, China, Chen emigrated to Japan in 1952, and became a Japanese citizen in 1954. Chen had originally specialized in Chinese imperial cuisine. However, in 1958, upon opening the Shisen Hanten (四川飯店) restaurant in Japan, Chen arranged his dishes to cater to the tastes of his Japanese clients. Chen introduced Shanghai-style Sichuan cuisine to Japan through the Shisen Hanten Restaurant as well as through nationwide TV shows, particularly NHK's TV show, Kyō no ryōri ("Today's Cuisine" in English). Chen came to be known as the "father of Chinese Sichuan cooking" in Japan.