Born in 1974 in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, Chef Noboru Arai grew up surrounded by traditional Japanese culture, an influence that continues to shape his refined culinary perspective. After early experience in Tokyo kitchens, he moved to France at the age of 24 to immerse himself in classical French gastronomy. There, he trained in several highly respected restaurants, developing the precision, restraint, and technical foundation that later defined his style.
In 2000, at just 26, Arai returned to Asakusa to open Hommage, a restaurant dedicated to bridging Japanese sensibility with French culinary artistry. His cuisine is characterised by exceptional ingredient focus, thoughtful minimalism, and a deep respect for both tradition and innovation. Over the years, Hommage has earned significant acclaim, positioning Arai as one of Tokyo’s most distinguished chefs and establishing the restaurant as a destination for diners seeking refined contemporary craftsmanship.
Chef Noboru Arai remains committed to evolving his culinary expression while honouring the spirit of the neighbourhood where he was born, creating an experience that is both personal and elegantly modern.
