The Chef & the Daruma

For 36 years, Tojo’s has been a mainstay in the Vancouver food scene, beloved by critics, foodies, and a plethora of celebrities. A pioneer of Japanese cuisine in the West, chef Hidekazu Tojo helped bring sushi to the mainstream and is known as the inventor of the California Roll. Still working in his seventies, chef Tojo is inspired to look back on his life and ponder the legacy he will leave behind. He recalls his early years as a Japanese immigrant, coming to Canada at the age of 21, and his ambition to create a singular culinary path. We also accompany the chef on a return trip to Japan, where he connects with locals and explores new food trends.

Shot in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Japan, The Chef & the Daruma is a mouth-watering film tracing a journey of immigration, identity, and reinvention. Mads K. Baekkevold, in his first feature documentary, creates a loving tribute to a man who has devoted his life to sharing food. But food is only the beginning. This film is a vibrant celebration of the depth and richness of Japanese Canadian history, heritage and communities here in Vancouver. It is ideal for teachers looking to explore themes of history, prejudice, and resilience, revealing layered local stories situated firmly in a very global context.

Oct 2: Q&A with director Mads K. Baekkevold and producer Luis Guerra