Japanese-American Chef & Restaurateur; Three-Time James Beard Award Semi-Finalist; Fan Favorite on "Top Chef: Portland"; Founder of Taku

Seattle, WA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Shota Nakajima Biography

Shota Nakajima is a Japanese-American chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for his contributions to Japanese cuisine and the Pacific Northwest restaurant industry. Nakajima began his culinary career at 16, working at a sushi restaurant in Seattle, Washington. At 18, he moved to Osaka to attend Tsuji Culinary Arts School, where he trained under Michelin Star-rated chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto, an experience that influenced his approach to food and cooking.

After returning to Seattle, Nakajima launched several restaurant ventures, including the catering business Kappo Kitchen, the kaiseki restaurant Naka, and later Adana, a more casual Japanese dining concept. He also opened Taku, specializing in karaage, Japanese fried chicken, and Kobo Pizza, which offers Detroit-style pizzas with Japanese influences. Through these ventures, Nakajima has blended Japanese culinary traditions with American flavors, making Japanese cuisine more accessible in the Pacific Northwest.

Nakajima is a three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and an Eater Young Guns winner. He has competed on Food Network's "Iron Chef Gauntlet," appeared on "Beat Bobby Flay"—where he won with his signature tempura dish—and participated in "Tournament of Champions" and "Bobby's Triple Threat." Nakajima was a runner-up and Fan Favorite on "Top Chef: Portland" and has been recognized in Zagat's 30 Under 30 list.

Nakajima's television appearances and restaurant concepts have established him as a prominent figure in the culinary world, particularly in Japanese and fusion cuisine. Based in Seattle, he continues to share his experiences and insights, contributing to the evolving landscape of American and Japanese gastronomy.

BOOK Shota Nakajima

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/13/2026.

  • How do I book Shota Nakajima to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Shota Nakajima for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Shota Nakajima, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Shota Nakajima or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Shota Nakajima

    Speaking fees for Shota Nakajima, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Shota Nakajima are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Shota Nakajima, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Shota Nakajima speak about?

    Shota Nakajima is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Asian & Pacific Heritage, Celebrity Chef, Celebrity Chef, Hospitality, Reality TV, Television & Film
  • Where does Shota Nakajima travel from?

    Shota Nakajima generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Shota Nakajima’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Shota Nakajima for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Shota Nakajima for your next private or corporate function.
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Shota Nakajima is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Shota Nakajima for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Shota Nakajima generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Roy Yamaguchi, Kaz Matsune, Arnold Myint, Tiffani Faison and Edward Lee. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Shota Nakajima for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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