Foundational LA Chef Akira Hirose, Who Opened Maison Akira and Azay, Has Died at 70

Akira Hirose, the acclaimed chef behind Pasadena's influential French Japanese restaurant Maison Akira and Little Tokyo's Azay, passed away at age 70 on September 26.

Hirose's culinary journey began in the 1970s, training at Azay-le-Rideau and later working at Maxim's de Paris, where he was influenced by renowned chef Joël Robuchon.

Philip reflects on his father's notable Franco-Japanese style, describing how Hirose opened a French restaurant in Japan, then shifted back to California with a unique culinary vision.

Philip believes his father's meeting with his mother and connection to Japanese America was a pivotal moment that shaped his culinary identity and career.

Read at Eater LA