About the Chef

Takuya Matsuda
Born in Mie Prefecture, Japan, Takuya Matsuda began his culinary journey at the young age of 15 and has since accumulated over 25 years of experience refining his skills and deepening his understanding of Japanese cuisine. Early in his career, he moved to the United States, where he also gained valuable experience in the fashion industry, enriching his appreciation for beauty and design—qualities he seamlessly incorporates into his culinary creations.
While deeply respecting tradition, Matsuda continuously seeks new ways to express himself through food. Inspired by Cirque du Soleil, he created “a theatrical omakase experience” by introducing the element of “performance” into his cooking. This transforms meals from mere taste experiences into multisensory stages that engage sight, emotion, and all five senses.
Matsuda founded “Okeya” with this vision in mind. The first location opened in Montreal in 2020 and became the city’s first Michelin-listed restaurant in 2025. The second restaurant opened in Vancouver in 2022, earning a Michelin star within its first year. The Toronto location, which opened in 2024, was also recognized as a Michelin-listed restaurant within one year—marking a remarkable achievement across multiple cities.