Yoshihiro Murata

This Japanese chef, who has seven Michelin stars and four restaurants around the world, has been promoting Japanese food for nearly 50 years. He was selected the recipient of the coveted American Express Icon Award in 2020 as part of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards program. He is considered the master of kaiseki cuisine.

Murata is the third generation proprietor of Kikunoi in Kyoto, a century-old three-Michelin-star ryotei [high-end Japanese restaurant] where he pays homage to his forefathers' classic kaiseki food with a new and modern approach. Murata's current venture, Tokimeite, an authentic Waygu restaurant in Mayfair, takes his skills international. His culinary empire's growth into Europe isn't the only indicator of his global success. Another Michelin-starred chef on this list, Heston Blumenthal, studied under Murata in Japan when he was 30 years old. Murata has had an influence on the famed British chef's cooking technique.

• Michelin Stars: 7
• Born: December 15 , 1951