Experience a Unique Lunch Featuring Kirishima's Natural Treasures in Tokyo

A Special Lunch Event Showcasing Kirishima's Treasures

On May 25, 2025, a unique culinary event will take place at Le Zarde, a French restaurant located in Tokyo's Chuo Ward. This event will highlight the exceptional ingredients of the Kirishima region and feature a special full-course meal served on exquisite wooden plates crafted from a 300-year-old Ayakeki tree.

The event is organized by Hinamori Meiboku, a company dedicated to preserving and promoting the rare woods native to the Kirishima mountains in Miyazaki Prefecture. Their mission emphasizes the connection between nature, sustainable practices, and exquisite dining experiences.

The Inspiration Behind the Event

Hinamori Meiboku has a long-standing tradition of living in harmony with the mountains, continuously cherishing the beautiful and rare woods that come from the region. The rainwater nourishes the land, eventually forming rivers and flowing into the sea, illustrating the vital cycles that sustain both nature and our livelihoods. Given the increasing natural disasters fueled by climate change, Hinamori Meiboku believes that managing the mountains equates to protecting life itself.

Previously, Hinamori Meiboku conducted experiential tours in the Kirishima region, offering visits to warehouses filled with rare woods, coupled with tastings of tea and local delicacies. Now, for the first time, they are excited to bring this experience to Tokyo in collaboration with Chef Hiroshi Nagata, the owner-chef of Le Zarde, who shares their deep connection to the Miyazaki region.

Meet Chef Hiroshi Nagata

Chef Nagata, originally from Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture, transitioned from a traditional Western-style restaurant in Tokyo to French cuisine after training in Yokohama and Fukui. He honed his craft in France at the esteemed Auberge du Schonenbourg under Chef Keizo Sugimoto. Post his return, he led the kitchen at Ginza Albus for 12 years before opening Le Zarde, a restaurant that celebrates Miyazaki’s organic ingredients and provides guests with meals they can trust and enjoy across generations.

The Event Offerings

During the event, guests will enjoy:
1. A Special Full Course: Delight in a full-course meal featuring Kirishima’s fresh ingredients, served on artisanal wooden plates that reflect the essence of the region, themed around