Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since September 2024
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Head Chef, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

Employment History

• Kappo Restaurant, Osaka; Kappo Restaurant, Fukuoka; Owner-Chef, Family Restaurant (100-seat Kaiseki, Fukuoka); Kaiseki Head Chef, Indiana, USA; KIGO, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai DIFC

Birthplace

• Fukuoka, Japan

Languages Spoken

• Japanese

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Akinori Tanigawa began his career as a kappo chef in Osaka before returning to his hometown to further refine his craft in traditional Japanese cuisine.

He later took over his family’s large-scale restaurant in Fukuoka, where for more than 13 years he worked as a kaiseki chef, mastering the art of serving authentic Japanese flavors in a 100-seat establishment.

Seeking new challenges, Akinori moved to Indiana in the United States, where he spent five years as Head Chef of a kaiseki restaurant. His time abroad strengthened his skills in presenting Japanese cuisine to an international audience, blending precision with artistry.

After returning to Japan, Akinori began looking for a more stimulating experience that contrasted with the calm life of the countryside.

In 2024, he joined Four Seasons Hotel Dubai DIFC as the opening Head Chef of KIGO. From the very beginning, he played an integral role in shaping the restaurant, from developing its culinary identity to carefully selecting tableware and building a passionate team.

Today, Akinori brings his deep-rooted expertise in Japanese cuisine to Dubai, offering guests an authentic yet innovative dining experience that reflects both tradition and his personal journey.

With his belief that cooking is his greatest form of love, Akinori Tanigawa continues to inspire and delight guests, making KIGO a destination for genuine Japanese hospitality and cuisine in the heart of Dubai.