A heartwarming 70th birthday dinner celebration was recently thrown for renowned Japanese Chef Chikara Yoshikawa by his family. Organised by his son Yoshikawa Shin Saku, owner of Haru Yoshi Japanese Restaurant, the occasion took place atChinese fine-dining restaurant Summer Palace at the Regent Singapore. Some 60 guests, including the social set and former Singapore Member of Parliament Chay Wai Chuen and his wife Agnes Tseng, were in tow to surprise the birthday boy. The chef was thrilled by his bespoke birthday cake, which was made to resemble a huge bento box filled with sushi rolls and sashimi – undoubtedly a nod to his illustrious career that spans over 50 years. The highlight of the evening must surely be the witty and humorous account by Chef Chikara’s wife, Helen Kuek, of how the two of them met, fell in love, and maintained their 37 years of marriage. Following that, the man himself dedicated an impromptu song performance to all his guests.