Yukio Hattori was born in Tokyo in 1945. He graduated from Rikkyo University and completed his doctoral studies at Showa University School of Medicine.

In 1977, he became principal of Hattori Nutrition College. He was also active in giving lectures and activities on lifestyle-related diseases and protecting the global environment through food education and cooking. In 2015, he was awarded the “Légion d'honneur” by the President of France, François Hollande, in recognition of his many years of achievements in the field of “food”.

In 2020, he was awarded the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette” in recognition of his continued efforts to promote food education, including having produced many talented people involved in food and serving as a member of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Food Education Promotion Council.

Yukio also appeared on many television programmes. He served as a commentator on Fuji TV's “Iron Chef” where he made headlines when he appeared as a challenger and is also known for having worked as a commentator and judge on variety shows.

Yukio joined the Chaîne as a Chevalier in 1991. He was promoted to Vice-Chancelier/Argentier in 1997 and ultimately rose to become Bailli Provincial of the Bailliage Provincial of Kanto (Tokyo) in 2009, serving as such for 15 years.

Marie Jones
Managing Editor
International Vice-President

Ed. We were preparing this article for publication when the news came in that Yukio Hattori had passed away at age 78. He collapsed suddenly at the culinary school where he served as Principal. Despite being rushed to hospital sadly he did not survive. One of the significant personalities of the Chaîne has left us. The Confrérie will be the less for his passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family together with the Bailliage of Japan at this difficult time. MJ