In support of the Japan American Society of Southern California (JASSC), Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. recently hosted a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with one of the original “Iron Chefs,” Japan's own Hiroyuki Sakai.
The gourmet dinner was co-hosted by the InterContinental LA Century City at Beverly Hills on Dec. 15. It attracted more than 200 members and supporters for JASSC, including local celebrities.
As guests watched on large television screens, the six-course dinner was prepared by Iron Chef Sakai working alongside Jonathan Wood, the InterContinental LA luxury hotel’s executive chef. The two world-class chefs stayed after the dinner for photographs with fans.
“For helping make tonight possible, we have to thank my good friend and mentor, Mitsuhiro Furusawa, director-general in Japan’s Ministry of Finance,” said Tomoshige Mizutani, president of Nitto Tire U.S.A.
“Mr. Furusawa was involved in the 2000 G-7 Finance Ministers’ Summit hosted in Japan, where Chef Sakai prepared the meals for the finance ministers and central bank directors.”
Mizutani added that it was Furusawa who suggested Chef Sakai come to Los Angeles for the event.
The proceeds from the dinner will support the JASSC, an organization established to build meaningful relationships between Japanese and Americans. For more information about the event, visit the JASSC website: www.jas-socal.org.
