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"A new Japanese cultural centre on Kensington High Street will occupy a Grade II–listed Art Deco building and is due to open soon; spread across three floors it will house a rotating gallery and events programme, an extensive retail area and a high-end Japanese restaurant led by Akira Shimizu (formerly executive head chef of Engawa). The kitchen aims to emphasize Japan’s regional diversity and seasonality, presenting washoku such as sushi and robatayaki (charcoal slow-grilled meat and seafood) in original, creative ways on ceramic ware from Japan. The well-funded project is part of a series of similar centres planned in Los Angeles and São Paulo." - Adam Coghlan