Chen Kenichi

Chen Kenichi (陳建一, Chin Ken'ichi^?, simplified Chinese: 陈建一; traditional Chinese: 陳建一; pinyin: Chén Jiànyī, born January 5, 1956 in Tokyo, Japan), whose name is often romanized Chin Kenichi in Japanese sources, is a chef best known for his role as the Iron Chef Chinese on the television series Iron Chef. Nicknamed "The Szechuan Sage", he wears a yellow outfit and rises into Kitchen Stadium holding a cleaver in his hand. He is the only Iron Chef to have held his position throughout the life of the show. He was born in Japan to ethnic Han Chinese father of Japanese nationality and a Japanese mother and his formal name is Ken'ichi Azuma (東 建一, Azuma Ken'ichi^?).

Chen is the son of Chen Kenmin, who is regarded as the father of Sichuan cuisine in Japan. Chen's special dish, "Prawns in Chili Sauce" (Ebi Chili), is an adaptation of a dish that his father had introduced to Japan. As a result, Chen is often compared to his father on the series, with some saying that Iron Chef helped the son exceed the skills of his father.