Taka Sakaeda
Nami Nori
Taka Sakaeda is the Co-Founder and Executive Chef of Launchpad Hospitality, the group behind acclaimed Japanese-inspired concepts Nami Nori, Matsuyoi, READ MORE
Taka Sakaeda is the Co-Founder and Executive Chef of Launchpad Hospitality, the group behind acclaimed Japanese-inspired concepts Nami Nori, Matsuyoi, and Postcard Bakery. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Sakaeda has built his career in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world and is recognized for shaping a new wave of modern Japanese dining in the United States. Sakaeda’s professional path began in the Michelin-starred kitchens of Eleven Madison Park and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, where he honed his technical foundation and respect for seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. He went on to train at Masa, the three-Michelin-starred sushi institution in New York, under the guidance of Chef Masa Takayama. The rigor and discipline of Masa’s kitchen deeply informed his approach, fusing traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a modern sensibility.
In 2019, Sakaeda co-founded Nami Nori with partners Lisa Limb and Jihan Lee, introducing a refined yet approachable hand roll–focused menu that quickly set the brand apart. Since its debut in New York’s West Village, Nami Nori has expanded to Williamsburg, Montclair (NJ), Miami’s Design District, and Virginia Beach, earning praise for its inventive temaki, thoughtful hospitality, and design-driven spaces. Building on that success, Sakaeda launched Matsuyoi, a fine-dining chef’s counter and lounge in Miami, where he explores more intimate and elevated expressions of Japanese cuisine through seasonal tasting menus and curated beverage pairings. He also oversees Postcard, a Japanese-inspired gluten-free bakery based in New York, known for playful yet meticulous creations such as sandos, cookies, and milk drinks. Across each concept, Sakaeda’s career is defined by innovation, precision, and a dedication to omotenashi—the spirit of Japanese hospitality. His leadership continues to expand Launchpad Hospitality’s reach, setting new standards for how Japanese cuisine can evolve while staying deeply rooted in craft.
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