PROFILE

1945: Born in Tokyo, Japan.
1968‐1969: Studied at l’Université de Paris, l’institut de Lnguistique.
1971: Graduated from the Tokyo University, Faculty of Letters.
1978: Published the first book “Miscellaneous bits of guide to walk in Paris”.
1980: Published “Tetrahedron of cuisine”.
As a professional author of essays, published more than 100 books about travel, gastronomy and country life from 1978 to 2023.
1991: moved to Tomi-city in Nagano and opened the farm named Villa d’Est.
1994: First exhibition of water color art work in the Galleria Prova in Tokyo.
As a professional painter, held art exhibitions every year in major galleries in Japan from 1994 to 2003.
2004: opened “Villa d’Est Winery” with its wine shop and café-restaurant.
2014: established “Japan Wine Agriculture Research Center” and opened the second winery named “Arc-en-Vigne” to start “Chikumagawa Wine Academy”, a private training school for winegrowers.