The MVP award is given to the person who "worked the hardest this month!" The April 2025 award went to Aoyama, a chef at Kudan Shokudo , run by MONOSUS Shokuken.
Kudan Shokudo is bustling all year round, but during cherry blossom season it seems to become even more lively, thanks to its location where you can get a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms along the moat of the Imperial Palace.
During times like these, all the members of Kudan Shokudo work together to provide a lot of lunch meals. Today, we will introduce some comments from the executive chef to Aoyama, who has been entrusted with more responsibilities.
Recommended by
- Headquarters Unit Leader/Monosus Thailand Representative: Miyagawa
Congratulations. Kudan Shokudo has a lot of customers during the cherry blossom season, and it's bustling again this year, so I heard that the kitchen is busy. Aoyama-san joined the company last September, and I spoke to him during our interview, but I had heard in advance that he was highly praised by Executive Chef Iino-san. When I told Aoyama-san this, he couldn't believe it and even said that it must be some kind of mistake. I think he is usually working hard under the very strict Iino-san, so I'm glad that everyone got to know about him on this occasion. I would like to ask Iino-san to say a few words to Aoyama-san.
- Executive Chef Iino of MONOSUS Food Research Institute
Aoyama-san, I think it's still a little early, but congratulations on being MVP.
When Kanamaki-san and I were running the kitchen together, he appeared like a savior, got Kudan Shokudo back on track, and we made it through the cherry blossom season safely. I think that now that the balance between Aoyama-san, Kanamaki-san and I is good, if we can get one more person in, it will be time to retire.
We appreciate your continued support so that we do not become a burden to society.
- MONOSUS Food Research Institute/Business Producer Arai
I had the impression that he was quite reserved for the first month or two, but I think he started to show his true colors around the end of the year party. During the cherry blossom season, Kudan Shokudo serves an average of 450 meals a day, and last year there were days when we served 680 meals and we had to close, but this year, with the support of our part-time staff and everyone around us, he managed to get through it. He works carefully and I think it's really wonderful.
Iino-san is also strict about cooking, so there were some parts that I couldn't leave to Aoyama-san, but I saw him leave it to Aoyama-san quite a bit. I think he trusts him. I hope he continues to enjoy his job. Congratulations.
- MONOSUS Shokuken Aoyama
I never expected to receive the MVP award, and my heart is pounding. We were able to serve 750 meals this year, exceeding the highest number of 680 meals served during last year's cherry blossom season. I think this is the result of the combined efforts of everyone at Kudan Shokudo, and I also think it's thanks to Iino-san and everyone at Kudan Shokudo that I was able to receive the MVP this time. I think there are still areas where I need to improve, but I'll keep my spirits up and do my best. Thank you very much.
Monosus Site Team
How to create good blood circulation with members and other people involved? How can we deepen our relationships to do better work? While thinking about this, we introduce the people and work of Monosus. The secretariat has approximately five members. I love eating a lot.