Sokyo’s Chase Kojima opens ‘fast fine dining’ concept

Even before opening the now-hatted Sokyo at the ripe age of 29, Chase Kojima had accumulated an impressive resume of international kitchen experiences, including at Nobu Restaurant group in Dubai, London and Los Angeles.

Now, Kojima has announced the next chapter in his culinary career. At the beginning of the Covid pandemic, Kojima launched his pop-up restaurant Simulation Senpai at Tramsheds in Forest Lodge as a means of keeping his kitchen staff employed throughout this extended rough patch for hospitality.

In May, Simulation Senpai will find its permanent home in Kengo Kuma’s architectural icon, The Exchange building in Darling Square.

The concept is an experiment in “fast fine dining”, offering serious food in a casual setting. Simulation Senpai’s menu will focus on premium sushi and chirashi, which diners can choose to eat in the restaurant – against a futuristic design backdrop that draws on Japanese fashion and anime references – or to takeaway for a picnic within Darling Square’s village green.

As at Sokyo, Simulation Senpai will offer seasonally curated menus built around fresh produce.

At this stage, no date has been confirmed for the May opening.