Akiho Masumi

Background

Akiho Masumi was born in Fukuoka in 1864.

Education

He studied Japanese cooking at Baisaro Restaurant operated by Jihe Ishu VI, a noted chef. Also underwent training in cooking Western food at the Chilean and Italian Legations in Tokyo as well as in the Japanese Navy.

Career

As an advisory member of the Army Provisions Department, he contributed much toward improving the army food. He vigorously campaigned to make cooking a compulsory item in the curriculum of Japanese girls' high schools.

Achievements

• He established the Culinary Institute, which changed its name later to Tokyo Culinary School, in Misakicho, Kanda, with a view to improving home cooking and national nutrition.