Shigeo Hirai Japan

We are delighted to announce that Shigeo Hirai, winner of the 2009 World Chocolate Masters Final, will Honorary President of the World Chocolate Masters Final 2011.

Born in 1970 in Ichikawa City, to the east of Tokyo, Shigeo Hirai graduated from Japan’s prestigious Tsuji Cooking Academy in 1994. Like many chefs, he moved to France in 2001 to pursue his training. After two years working in French pâtisseries and restaurants, he returned to Japan to join the staff of the luxury Grand Hyatt Tokyo as a sous-chef in the hotel’s Fiorentina Pastry Boutique. Today, he is Vice-President Chef in the Pastry department.

Shigeo’s talent was evident from an early date. Prior to the World Chocolate Masters, he had won a number of titles in Japanese competitions. However, the World Chocolate Masters was his road to international success.