Robson Massayuki Kagawa
Nobu Sake Sommelier
Four Seasons Tenure
- Since 2022
- First Four Seasons Assignment: Current
Employment History
- Fat Cow, Kato Japanese Cuisine, Singapore
Birthplace
- São Paulo, Brazil
Languages Spoken
- Portuguese, English, Spanish, Japanese
Robson Massayuki Kagawa is Nobu’s dedicated Sake Sommelier, whose journey is defined by curiosity, cultural duality, and a deep respect for the quiet nuances of sake. Born in Brazil and shaped by Japanese heritage, Robson brings a thoughtful, guest-centric approach to sake service. For him, sake is not simply a beverage, but a bridge between flavours, cultures, and people at the table.
Robson’s fascination with sake began organically, driven by both enjoyment and an enduring thirst for knowledge. During his previous employment, exposure to an extensive sake selection sparked a deeper exploration into grades, flavour profiles, and production methods. What started as curiosity soon became his calling. “The more I studied,” he reflects, “the more I realised how layered and misunderstood sake can be.” This passion led him to pursue formal certification, eventually taking on full responsibility for beverage management, designing pairing menus, and curating seasonal sake programmes in close collaboration with suppliers.
As part of the opening team at Nobu at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, he now oversees the sake program under the guidance of the restaurant’s leadership, ensuring each pairing enhances the cuisine. He is particularly passionate about challenging preconceptions around sake, advocating for it to be appreciated much like wine, where it is diverse in style, expressive in character, and enjoyable across temperatures.
At Nobu Singapore, Robson leads with quiet confidence and genuine warmth, guiding guests through the sake journey with clarity and ease. Whether recommending a refined Daiginjo with sashimi, a dry Junmai with beef, or introducing a playful Caipisake that nods to his Brazilian roots, each suggestion is made with intention. Guests can look forward to a sake experience that invites exploration, sparks conversation, and ultimately makes the meal more memorable.
