Hamilton County honors Hideki Harada with dedicated day for his culinary achievements

The Hamilton County Commissioners held a regular meeting on May 22, 2025, where they celebrated the contributions of local chef Hideki Harada. The meeting featured a proclamation recognizing Harada for his significant impact on the culinary scene in Cincinnati, coinciding with AANHPI Heritage Month.

Harada, a Cincinnati resident since childhood, began his culinary journey at Buffalo Wild Wings. He later trained as a sushi chef at Embers in Kenwood before attending culinary school in Osaka, Japan. His career includes working at a Michelin-starred hotel in Amsterdam and returning to Cincinnati to open his first restaurant, Kaze, in 2012. He subsequently launched Kiki in College Hill, which gained national recognition after being featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" in 2023.

In addition to Kiki, Harada owns Sen in Waikiki, located inside Findlay Market, where he offers fresh sushi-grade seafood and oysters. His latest venture involves the reopening of Kiki in Clifton, which has generated excitement among local residents for its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu.

The commissioners officially declared May 23, 2025, as Hideki Harada Day in Hamilton County, honoring his invaluable contributions to the community and the culinary arts. This recognition highlights the importance of local talent and the rich cultural heritage represented in the county.