#Japan #Sapporo #EXILE SHOKICHI #Hokkaido Yakiniku #LDH kitchen

EXILE SHOKICHI's New Yakiniku Adventure: Hokkaido Yakiniku Yagien

Get ready, Sapporo! On March 20, 2026, EXILE SHOKICHI is set to unveil his latest gastronomic venture, Hokkaido Yakiniku Yagien, located in the city’s Kiyota district. Operated by LDH kitchen, this restaurant promises to deliver an innovative dining experience rooted in the unique yakitori culture of Hokkaido.

Following the announcement of the new ‘Hokkaido Yakiniku = Chaos’ genre last December, the opening date, along with the commencement of reservations and a preview of the main menu, has now been officially revealed.

A Culinary Exploration of “Chaos”

SHOKICHI, who has traveled extensively across Japan, visiting over 500 yakiniku restaurants, is passionate about the distinct “free-spirited” yakiniku culture in Hokkaido. Here, it is customary to see various types of meat—from wagyu to offals and even seafood—grilled together, symbolizing a delightful ‘chaos’ that is the essence of Hokkaido’s culinary identity.

This approach is not merely a trend for SHOKICHI; it represents a heartfelt return to his roots. The Kiyota district holds a special meaning for him, as it’s where he was first introduced to the magic of yakiniku when he was just 18 years old. The opening of Yagien is both a homage to his beginnings and a mission to spread this new genre of Hokkaido yakiniku across the nation.

A Reunion After Two Decades

The head chef of Yagien, Takashi Kiya, shares a significant history with SHOKICHI—two decades ago, they worked together at a yakiniku restaurant during their student days. After honing his skills in Hokkaido's culinary scene for over 20 years, Kiya is eager to reconnect with SHOKICHI for this unique project, crafting exclusive dishes that celebrate their shared passion.

In their pursuit to define ‘Hokkaido Yakiniku = Chaos’, they are committed to creating tantalizing flavors that emphasize the area’s rich food culture.

SHOKICHI’s Vision

Expressing his excitement, SHOKICHI remarked on how emotional it is to return to Kiyota, the land where his passion began, and to team up again with Kiya—his long-time colleague and friend. He aims to celebrate life, community, and culture while delivering the flavors of Hokkaido yakiniku to a wider audience. His boundless love for Hokkaido underlines his commitment to this culinary journey.

Kiya’s Perspective

For Chef Kiya, the passion for yakiniku started in the same Kiyota restaurant where he met SHOKICHI. His journey over the years has been fueled by experiences and memories from those days, shaping his culinary abilities. Kiya is determined to communicate his love for Hokkaido’s cuisine and create an establishment that resonates with locals and visitors alike.

Reservations and Menu Preview

Reservations will open on March 2, 2026, via phone and the Tabelog website. Anticipating high demand post-opening means early reservations are encouraged to secure a spot.

Yagien will offer a carefully curated selection of dishes representing the essence of Hokkaido Yakiniku:

• - Salted Offal: Crafted with a special seasoning developed by Chef Kiya, this simple yet profound dish showcases the harmonious chaos of Hokkaido yakiniku.
• - Aged Beef Tongue: Thick cuts of beef tongue are aged in-house, allowing flavors to intensify, culminating in a dish that marries crunch from scallions with savory seasoning.
• - Steamed Rice from Asahikawa: Directly sourced from local farmers, this rice is prepared within the restaurant, boasting the perfect texture to complement the intense flavors of the meal.

This grand opening not only marks the birth of a new restaurant but embodies the nurturing of a cultural legacy that both SHOKICHI and Kiya aim to cherish and promote.

Location and Additional Details

Restaurant Name: Hokkaido Yakiniku Yagien
Opening Date: March 20, 2026
Reservation Start Date: March 2, 2026
Contact: 011-867-9029
Address: 1-1, Kitano 7-jo, Kiyota-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: A 10-minute walk from Nango 18-chome station on the Tozai subway line.

With Yagien, LDH kitchen aims to expand its culinary impact while remaining deeply connected to local cultures and traditions, ensuring that every guest enjoys a piece of Hokkaido's rich culinary heritage.