Yoshiyuki Okuno is a Japanese chef, restaurateur, and the founder of the Brianza Group, a leading Italian restaurant group based in Tokyo. Born in Wakayama, Japan, in 1972, he developed a deep appreciation for Japanese cuisine and culinary culture from an early age.
After studying business administration at a university in the United States and gaining experience in the corporate world, Okuno decided to pursue his passion for gastronomy. He trained at Italian restaurants in Tokyo before traveling to Italy, where he studied regional cuisine across eight Italian regions, including experiences at renowned Michelin-starred restaurants.
In 2001, he launched Ristorante La Brianza in Daikanyama, Tokyo, and later moved and expanded the restaurant in Azabu-Juban. Since then, he has developed the Brianza Group, operating multiple restaurants in Tokyo and creating his own style of Italian cuisine that combines authentic Italian techniques with Japanese ingredients, creativity, and global influences.
Okuno is known for his innovative approach, often described as “Tokyo Italian,” where tradition meets modernity. Beyond restaurant management, he is involved in culinary consulting, food product development, and the creation of new dining concepts in Japan and overseas.
His philosophy is to respect the roots of Italian cuisine while continuing to evolve it through Japanese sensibility, local ingredients, and international inspiration.