January 10, 2025
Shibousai Kitagawa
Chinese cuisine embodies spirit of Japan in Matsusaka
Matsusaka is a midsize city in Mie Prefecture. For many people today, the city’s name most likely brings to mind Matsusaka beef, the epitome of marbled meat. In addition to cattle farms, the city is dotted with famous restaurants. This special region is home to Shibousai Kitagawa, a Chinese restaurant that is booked up a year in advance. A 20-minute drive from Matsusaka Station, the restaurant occupies a renovated traditional house that was once a sericulture farm, surrounded by rice fields.
Born in Matsusaka, owner-chef Yoshihiro Kitagawa attended a culinary institute in Osaka. After graduation, Kitagawa trained in several Chinese restaurants, where he gained a deeper knowledge. “Rather than a cuisine of subtraction, the concept is not to use anything superfluous in the first place,” Kitagawa said. “Based on that way of thinking, simple dishes are made with a minimum of ingredients and seasonings.” After honing his skills, he had the idea of going solo. He then purchased the traditional house that would become his current establishment, and opened a Chinese restaurant in 2015. His cuisine steadily drew increased attention, and more guests came from outside the prefecture. Therefore, Kitagawa started consciously incorporating local specialties into his course menu to spread the word about the attractions of Mie.
In Kitagawa’s cuisine, which brings out the character of the ingredients using a minimum of seasoning, there is a subtly profound emotion that is distinctively Japanese. This feeling is connected to mono no aware, often explained as an awareness and appreciation of all things and their transience. While based on the cuisines of Sichuan and Guangzhou, the dishes created by Kitagawa constitute a Chinese cuisine that is a Japanese original. It is a cuisine that cannot be experienced even in China — one that exists in this place alone.
Address
Shibousai Kitagawa
1020 Isedera-cho, Matsusaka-shi, Mie Prefecture
https://m.facebook.com/shibousai.kitagawa/
Katsuyuki Ichimi
Mie Prefecture Governor
As the governor of Mie Prefecture, I am extremely pleased that Shibousai Kitagawa has been selected as a Destination Restaurant for the 2024 list.
The Chinese cuisine prepared by owner-chef Yoshihiro Kitagawa, which makes the most of Mie’s rich local ingredients, is sure to offer visitors new discoveries and emotional experiences.
I highly encourage you to visit Mie Prefecture and experience the unique and rich culinary charms that our region has to offer.
Masato Takegami
Matsusaka Mayor
I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to chef Yoshihiro Kitagawa for wining the recent award.
I believe this recognition is due to the delicious meals and wonderful atmosphere he has provided, which have captivated many people. When I visited the restaurant, I too had a truly enjoyable time.
I hope that Kitagawa will continue to enjoy good health and that his restaurant will have even greater success in the future. I also hope that many more people will visit Shibousai Kitagawa to have an equally wonderful dining experience.
