Ranzan's Mission
Our restaurant's mission policy is to provide people in the United States with authentic Kaiseki Ryori, which is considered the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine as world heritage, so that people can enjoy the diversity of flavors and beautiful appearance of the cuisine and experience the essence of Japanese tradition and culture.
The spirit founding Ranzan
In 2010, when I was the representative of "Kaiseki Cuisine Ranzan" in Japan, I visited California for a month for the first time in 30 years. During that time, I was surprised to see American people skillfully using chopsticks to eat at every Japanese restaurant I visited, and how deeply rooted the culture of chopsticks is in this country.
However, the atmosphere, the tableware, and the food served at the restaurants were all very different from those in Japan. I was worried and anxious that people in America would think they were the real Japanese food and that it would be irreversible if they did not know the true nature of Washoku, which has become a World Heritage.
After returning to Japan, I had many discussions with my Kaiseki business partner and decided to start a business in the United States to realize my thoughts. Also, I have a close friend from high school (a Japanese who has lived in the United States for over 30 years) near San Francisco.
When I discussed starting a business with him, he agreed, and we decided to open a Kaiseki restaurant together as a partner. He has a son who has been living in the United States since he was 3 years old, but he also has a deep interest in and understanding of Washoku. Then to fully cooperate with this business he quit a job as an engineer he trained in Kaiseki restaurants and others for 5 years in Japan .
My goal is to provide authentic Japanese food to the people in America and to spread Japan's traditional culture based on the experience I have cultivated over many years in Japan.
Founder's Profile
Tomio Fuji
| 1980 | Kaiseki Ranzan opened in Okamoto, Higashinada, Kobe City, which became famous for offering fixed price course meal that was rare at the time. |
| 1985 | "La Mare" Western-style confectionery shop opened, which was leading the industry in offering cakes that are decorated by seasonal ingriedents |
| 1990 | "Washoku Shiki" opened in a tenant building owned by the Kobe City Transportation Bureau in Sannomiya, Kobe City, after being selected in a restaurant competition. This was our first restaurant opening in a tenant building. |
| Jan 1991 | Kaiseki Ranzan Kusatsu opened in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, recommended by the Kusatsu Estopia Hotel, a joint venture by Kawasaki Steel, Kusatsu City, and Kawasaki Shoji. "Shiki & SEASON" opened recommended by Mosaic of Hankyu Department Store Hotel Japanese Restaurant Division which was engaged in wedding food, party banquet food at Kobe Harborland, |
| Jan 1995 | The Great Hanshin Earthquake caused extensive damage, but fortunately none of the employees, part-time workers or other people were injured and everyone was safe. One month later, we procured propane gas to provide hot meals to the victims, and the bento lunches were well received by them. Then, spurred by strong customer demand, the restaurant in Okamoto reopened in late February of the same year. |
| 1999 | "Kona-ya Tomimaru" Japanese Izakaya opened "Konaya Yasokichi" Japanese Izakaya opened |
| 2000 | "Tantantei" Ramen restaurant opened Tantan Shokudo" restaurant opened |
| 2001 | Kaiseki Ranzan's flafship restaurant opened in a five-story building on Ikuta-suji in Sannomiya, Kobe. 1st floor counter seats 2nd floor, small private room 3rd floor: midium private rooms 4th floor: large dining hall 5th floor party venue "Wa no Takumi Rin to Shite" opened after renovating restaurant in Okamoto |
| 2010 | The joint venture withdrew from the hotel business in Kusatsu due to the merger of Kawasaki Steel and Nippon Kokan. As a result, our company also withdrew from Kusatsu business and liquidate its entire restaurant business. |
Currently CEO of "Brain Firm Ltd" which is engaged in consulting for restaurant business.