My Story

Hi, I'm Yuji. Just your average Homo sapiens raised in nature, I haven't seen a doctor or taken medicine for nearly 30 years—except for a car accident. Here in Silicon Valley, I often feel like a stranger among the modern domesticated Homo sapiens.

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From an outsider's perspective:

Over the past few decades, I’ve worked in more than 30 restaurants across California, from upscale establishments to neighborhood spots. My passion has always been simple: to serve good food, focusing on flavor and the joy of dining. But as I gained more experience and watched the industry evolve, I began questioning the broader impact of the food I was serving.

As I recognized the influence of big food companies, I felt compelled to explore the health side of food more deeply. What I discovered was alarming. From agriculture to production, our entire food system has been compromised by a stakeholder-driven system, where powerful entities like BlackRock, Vanguard, and StateStreet, and well-respected individuals like Warren Buffett, who has invested heavily in Coca-Cola selling diabetic water worldwide, make decisions. Food is another commodity for these investment firms—something to generate profits. 

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"Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are leading causes of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 74% of deaths worldwide are due to chronic diseases. This amounts to approximately 41 million people dying from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) each year."​

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In every kitchen I worked in, whether high-end or low-end, the same ingredients were ever-present: vegetable seed oils, refined sugars, ultra-processed grains, and many other additive products.

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As I continued my journey, I became more aware of the industries' motives. Rather than developing systems to grow healthier, harvest undamaged, and deliver fresh, and cook more nutritious foods to Homo sapiens, instead, resources are funneled into creating chemical compounds that extend shelf life and promote addictive eating habit 

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Extend shelf life means—this might be oversimplified—that it is like plastic products. It doesn't get spoiled or decomposed, but you can't get nutrients because it's a stable bonds. Do you call it food? 

 

While our evolutionary journey has unfolded over millennia, adapting to natural foods, the swift introduction of artificial chemicals into our diets far exceeds our biological capacity to adapt. These chemicals are foreign to our evolutionary biology, and our bodies cannot metabolize them.

 

As an example, Northern Europeans took several thousand years to become lactose tolerant. For me, food should nourish, not harm—and the same goes for the role of a chef. At the same time, the soil—the very foundation of nutritious food—is being destroyed by billions of pounds of chemicals sprayed onto farmland each year.

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Many work hard for their families, following the path they know to make a living, often unaware of the harm their companies inflict on the health of others—including their loved ones.

I reached a point where I could no longer serve food; I wouldn’t eat myself. It became clear that if I wanted to live with integrity, I had to step away from the mainstream industry and carve my path. 

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​I believe that food is something nourishing. I was raised with values emphasizing quality, and while I’m still figuring out some aspects of life, I know I’m heading in the right direction.

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This decision isn’t about criticizing others or trying to outperform competitors. It’s about seeking better food for myself and my customers. I see this as much a spiritual journey as a professional one. I’ve found a direction I can confidently commit to for the rest of my life.

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I aim to align my values with my work—nourishing body and soul through food. Yes, I want to succeed financially, but only if it comes through doing good. I'll know I've succeeded if I can inspire the next generation to understand that integrity matters.

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Fundamental belief:

My beliefs are shaped by my personal experiences and reflections, particularly my deep connection to nature, my understanding of health and well-being, and my desire to empower others to feel a more fulfilling life positively. That definitely makes me happy.​

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1. A deep reverence and connection to nature

   • I find immense joy, fulfillment, and wisdom in the natural world.

   • I think of nature as a map that shows material existence. A microcosm of life, the meaning of each individual existence through all the interrelationships from the micro to the macro. The map is colored by the spirituality that underlies it.

2. Valuing freedom and independence

   • Freedom is essential for personal growth and authenticity.

   • I thrive when I have the autonomy to explore life on my terms.

3. Prioritizing personal achievement and growth

   • Personal achievement is what keeps me going.

   • Success is the result of living each life to the fullest.

4. Curiosity as a driving force

   • A sense of curiosity fuels my desire to explore the world, leading to deeper understanding.

   • I seek a sense that transcends literature and embraces the invisible aspects.

5. Desire to empower others through a connection to nature

   • I want to guide others toward a healthier, more vibrant life rooted in the wisdom of nature.

   • I aim to guide modern domesticated Homo sapiens to break free from chronic diseases caused by an immature relationship with the natural world unless they want to be robots. 

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Perhaps my humility gives me a deep understanding of the challenges facing many in today's society. Here is a summary of my beliefs and feelings about the importance of suggesting health harmonize with nature:

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My Core Beliefs and Perspective

1. Recognition of Health Disparities:

   • I observe that many modern domesticated Homo sapiens struggle with physical and mental health issues, often due to a disconnect from a principle of nature and an inability to align with evolutionary adaptations.

2. Personal Well-Being:

   • I experience a sense of vitality, energy, and happiness that stems from my connection to understanding nature and a lifestyle aligned with it. This gives me a unique perspective on what it means to live healthily in modern domesticated Homo sapiens society.

3. Reluctance to Lead:

   • While I feel compelled to share my knowledge and experiences with others, humility and lack of expertise make me hesitant to take on a leadership role. I prefer to suggest rather than lead, valuing collaboration and shared experiences over authority.

4. Desire to Inspire:

   • Despite my reluctance, I recognize the importance of inspiring others to know we are only Homo sapiens in nature and embrace healthier lifestyles. My journey can be an alternative example for those who have been on medication, especially chronic diseases.​​

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At KIKUCHI, I am dedicated to providing safe and nourishing foods. 

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The purpose behind my work stems from my core values of integrity. I recognize that our physiological existence can only be found in the natural world. I refuse to compromise on quality that doesn't align with the natural adaptation pace. I'm not a humanoid technician; I'm a chef. 

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By focusing on locally sourced, safe, nutrient-dense ingredients and rejecting unknown additives, preservatives, and synthetic chemicals, I aim to restore the connection between Homo sapiens and their food.