Through the Eyes of the Consul General of Japan in Detroit

 
Normally, the official residences of Japanese ambassadors and consuls general have their own residence chef. However, because I was transferred directly from San Francisco to Detroit, I was unable to bring a chef with me.
 
So how did we manage through 2025? With the help of Chef Kaede Nakano, who served during the tenures of Consuls General Wada and Nakagawa; catering from Casa Pernoi, the go-to for the Italian Consulate in Detroit; and “bar-style meals” from Café Jimmy. That, however, is a story for another time.
 
On January 6, 2026, the long-awaited chef finally arrived at my residence: Mr. Yoshitada Taniguchi, originally from Shiga Prefecture. He brings with him more than 20 years of experience operating a Japanese restaurant in Shanghai.
 
This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a major reform to its chef system. Until now, residence chefs were personally attached to individual ambassadors or consuls general. Starting this year, however, chefs are selected through an open application process and are directly contracted by the Ministry. While chefs traditionally lived at the official residences of ambassadors and consuls general in the past, Chef Taniguchi has found a home in Birmingham, where he now resides with his wife, Kayoko. He will serve as a “culinary diplomat” of Japanese cuisine throughout both Michigan and Ohio.
 
“My worry is that Detroit has too poor of an image—will any chefs even apply?”
My wife, recuperating in Tokyo, was concerned. But three people applied. Chef Taniguchi, learning that Michigan and Shiga Prefecture are sister states, submitted his application. (Deputy Consul General Yamane, Section Chief Itoyama, and of course myself—all unanimously chose Chef Taniguchi.)
 
His debut was at a welcome reception for Ms. Akiko Yano, who came from New York as the featured performer for the JBSD New Year Celebration (last year’s performer was Keizo Nakanishi; see Vol. 3). What distinguishes Chef Taniguchi is not only his impressive culinary skills and presentation, but his dedication to researching guests thoroughly. That evening, he prepared all of Ms. Yano’s favorite dishes. When she tasted the cabbage and chicken curry, she laughed in delight and asked, “How did you even know that I loved this dish?”
 
His next challenge was a formal dinner at the residence for six guests, including former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. This valuable opportunity came together thanks to connections through Detroit Regional Chamber President Sandy Baruah and former Consulate advisor, attorney Peter Hovell. Guests enjoyed the meal along with “Chikubushima,” a sake Chef Taniguchi brought from Shiga.
 
The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit normally has nine Japan-based staff members, including myself, and eighteen locally hired staff. With his culinary expertise, Chef Taniguchi now joins us as the tenth Japan-based member of our team.
For those who enjoy relaxing with a drink at the bar, Café Jimmy will continue for the time being. However, after the Consul General’s three special appetizers, the main dish will now be prepared by Chef Taniguchi.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, please look forward to Chef Taniguchi’s culinary delights!