Hansei

Hansei is Chris Ono's debut concept presented by the historic Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC). Hansei, meaning self-reflection, Ono explores his roots as a fourth-generation Japanese American to champion the cuisine and culture of Los Angeles' Nikkei community. At Hansei, Ono brings years of kitchen experience from Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe with each dish constructed on a Japanese philosophy adding a personal and contemporary touch that reflects growing up in Los Angeles. A beverage program centers around premium sake with wines from California-based Japanese American winemakers, and locally-crafted beer. Hansei’s three-part dining experience transitions courses throughout the center’s breathtaking new Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Center and historic James Irvine Japanese Garden, a tranquil oasis hidden in the middle of Little Tokyo.

As a native Angeleno and fourth-generation Japanese American, the role of Chef at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is an opportunity for Ono to reconnect with his roots and support Japanese American culture and community through a celebration of LA Nikkei cuisine. Ono, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, CA, embarked on a Michelin-star studded journey at an early age, beginning most notably with a position at Morihiro Onodera’s Mori Sushi in Los Angeles, RyuGin in Tokyo and Eleven Madison Park in New York. In 2022, Ono accepted a position as Chef in Residence with JACCC to spearhead the inaugural residency program at JACCC's new Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center. For Ono, returning to his roots was a personal decision to reconnect with his heritage and preserve Japanese culture in honor of the Nikkei community.

A 9 course tasting menu experience exploring LA Nikkei cuisine as presented by chef Chris Ono