Hiroaki

Hiroaki believes curiosity gives us a youthful spirit. It energises and inspires us to overcome any of life’s obstacles. His journey, and the rich and multifaceted life he has created, stands as proof. For him, discovery is life’s greatest gift.

Through throws and sweeps, Hiraoki’s study of Aikido has cultivated his strength as much as it has fortified his mind. A hobby that began out of self-defence has allowed him to embrace and master the quiet elegance of this ‘moving meditation.’

Hiroaki’s curiosity continues in his obsession with his captivating homeland and all it has to offer. He views its railway network as a portal and travels endless routes to deepen his knowledge of Japan’s rich culture, visiting scenes of natural beauty and rural landscapes where he learns from the artisans cultivating abundance from Japan's fertile lands.

One such find was the lesser-known local wine tradition, which fit Hiroaki’s other passion, found and nurtured through time, for the wine world, which he has made his profession. Today, as The Peninsula Tokyo's sommelier , he imparts his own expertise to guests, creating moments of delight for those who hang on his words until the final bottle is uncorked. Always greeting you with a smile, Hiroaki takes most pleasure in imparting his vast knowledge to keen diners, not only about the power of taste, and the abilities of your palate to appreciate the subtle sensations that come when food is paired with the finest wines, but also about his country and its endlessly fascinating culture.