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Jiro Ono's Century of Craft
Jiro Ono’s milestone has been broadly reported as he marks a century behind the counter at Tokyo’s Sukiyabashi Jiro.
“Jiro Ono... recently celebrated his 100th birthday.”
Multiple outlets note he recently celebrated his 100th birthday and still refuses to retire.
Local and West Asian coverage describe him as the world’s oldest head chef to hold three Michelin stars for over a decade.
They trace his craft back to the opening of his restaurant in Ginza in 1965 and credit his work ethic for his sustained health.
Some outlets pinpoint the date, saying he will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 27 without plans to retire.
Others report he celebrated his 100th birthday in September 2025.
Across these accounts, Ono says he will continue working for years, calling work the secret to his longevity and health.
Sukiyabashi Jiro Michelin Status
Coverage converges on Sukiyabashi Jiro’s Michelin legacy and changes in access.
Western mainstream and other outlets agree the restaurant earned three Michelin stars in 2007 and held them until 2019.
ABC adds that limiting reservations to regulars and top hotels led to its removal from the guide.
Local reporting notes that the restaurant stopped accepting general reservations in 2020.
The Spec uniquely highlights Guinness recognition of Ono as the oldest head chef of a three-Michelin-star restaurant at age 93.
Family Legacy and Notable Guests
Family continuity anchors the operation, with multiple reports stating that his son Yoshikazu now leads the restaurant as head chef while the elder Ono serves select guests.
“His son, Yoshikazu, now leads the restaurant, and Ono remains dedicated to his craft, aiming to live and work well beyond 100.”
High-profile demand remains a consistent theme in coverage, as several outlets mention that in 2014 a request linked to Barack Obama was turned down due to full bookings.
Yoshikazu recalls Obama enjoying sushi and interacting warmly with them.
The common thread across sources is loyalty to regular customers and the passing of mastery from father to son.
Ono's Longevity and Philosophy
Beyond accolades, several sources focus on Ono’s philosophy and the context of Japan’s aging population.
A West Asian outlet describes how his story resonates in “aging Japan” and notes recognition from Tokyo’s governor on “Respect for the Aged Day.”
This recognition distills five habits: purposeful work, regular movement, mindful eating, lifelong learning, and cultivating connection and humility.
Other coverage emphasizes diet and passion, highlighting favorites like tuna, gizzard shad, and saltwater eel.
Ono is consistently quoted crediting work as the key to longevity.
Additional media broaden the perspective with Blue Zones, portraying Ono as a symbol of purpose in later life.
Ono's Future Plans
Looking ahead, sources differ on timelines but agree Ono will not retire soon.
“Despite his age, he plans to continue working for about five more years, crediting work as the secret to his longevity and health.”
West Asian and Local Western outlets say he plans to continue for about five more years or several more years.
Other reports extend the horizon, stating he aims to live to 114 and work well into his 110s.
Even with a reduced workload serving only special guests, he insists on striving.
He says he has not yet reached perfection in sushi-making.