The era of Meiji (about 125 years ago) was the period that Japan started opening its door to western civilization. It also coincided with the time that Tamijiro Shioi returned from France where he successfully completed his training as a professional chef. Soon after his return, he opened his first restaurant called “Yayoi-ken” at Kayabacho area in Tokyo. His first restaurant mainly served cuisines at the price on only one yen per set. Because of his superb cooking skills and competitive price, Yayoi-ken soon became so popular with Tokyo residents that even the Prime Minister was among the restaurant’s frequent customers.