Kanedaka President Arrested on Meth Charges Exhausted and Bowing His Head

Former Prime Ministers such as Yoshiro Mori, Fumio Kishida, and Shigeru Ishiba, as well as major business figures, have visited the long-established Kanetanaka restaurant. The owner of this prestigious establishment was arrested.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Mukojima station arrested 63-year-old Shingo Okazoe, the president of the high-end Kanetanaka restaurant located in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law (possession of methamphetamine) by April 11. Kanetanaka, along with Shin-Kiraku and Kitchou, is considered one of Japan’s top three traditional restaurants. According to police investigations, Okazoe has admitted to the crime, saying, “That’s correct.”

“The incident leading to his arrest occurred on October 1 of last year. Okazoe had parked his car on a street in Tokyo. When the police searched the vehicle, they found about 0.6 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 1 gram of dried marijuana. Later, a search of his residence earlier this year revealed a large amount of methamphetamine, enough for dozens of uses, along with pipes for smoking. Okazoe was also arrested on suspicion of violating the Cannabis Control Law” (National newspaper reporter).

Kanetanaka, established in the Taisho era, is a long-established restaurant. Okazoe’s grandfather purchased the restaurant from its original owner, and it developed around the Ginza and Shimbashi areas. The restaurant became known for offering seasonal dishes served in high-end tableware by the renowned Kitasato Rosanjin, and it has been frequented by political and business elites.

“The rising star of the traditional cuisine world.”

“Okazoe is the fourth generation of the Kanetanaka family. After graduating from Keio University, he went to the United States to study English and returned to Japan. He trained at Kanetanaka for several years before becoming the president. While maintaining the long-standing traditions of the restaurant, he also challenged himself to create new styles of dishes suited to the times. He introduced counter-style kappo, yakiniku restaurants, and a sukiya with a Noh stage that only served one guest per day. He was a rising star in the world of traditional cuisine.

However, there were also harsh criticisms. Shukan Shincho (April 13, 2023 issue) reported on Okazoe’s alleged power harassment. According to the magazine, he was frequently late for events such as tasting sessions and would loudly criticize the dishes. It is said that he gave off a somewhat aloof, out-of-touch atmosphere compared to regular people” (Restaurant industry insider in Shimbashi).

A photographer for this magazine captured Okazoe’s transfer to the police station on April 12, just after his arrest. Appearing exhausted, he lightly bowed to the press as he exited the station.

Former Kanagawa Prefectural Police detective and crime journalist Tahei Ogawa provided an analysis:

“One of the key points of the investigation will be the circumstances surrounding how the large amount of drugs was obtained. As the owner of a long-established high-end restaurant, Okazoe likely had deep connections with famous people. Among these acquaintances, there may have been individuals linked to drugs. If the details of how the drugs were obtained are revealed, it wouldn’t be surprising if other suspects emerge.”

The arrest of a high-profile restaurant owner has thrown the elite social scene of the political and business world into turmoil. When a reporter from this magazine visited Kanetanaka in Ginza, the entrance was tightly closed, and there was no sign of life inside.