From cowboy to sushi chef to social media star, Tetsuya Nakao is doing it 'Asanebo style'
Briefly

Tetsuya Nakao, the 62-year-old chef of Asanebo, has dramatically changed the restaurant's popularity through engaging cooking videos. His distinctive dishes, such as a crispy rice "pizza" topped with extravagant ingredients, cater to a social media audience. The restaurant's Instagram gained over 1.1 million followers, reflecting the significant impact of visual content on dining trends. Customers now travel internationally to experience Nakao, who has evolved from a behind-the-scenes chef to a celebrated culinary figure, thanks to the charm and creativity showcased in his videos.
Tetsuya Nakao's engaging cooking videos, showcasing extravagant sushi dishes, have propelled him into stardom, transforming Asanebo from a local gem to a global culinary destination.
Through inventive and playful food presentations, Nakao captivates a vast social media audience, significantly enhancing the restaurant's visibility and customer base beyond traditional diners.
Asanebo's Instagram grew from 4,000 to over 1.1 million followers, demonstrating the power of social media in modern dining experiences and celebrity chef culture.
General manager Kunio Kaji highlights the restaurant's transformation, noting that customers now travel from around the world, showcasing Nakao’s rise from anonymity to culinary fame.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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