Itaba
いたば
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Food Preparation Occupations
- Minor : Japanese Cuisine Chefs
Summary
Itaba is a chef responsible for knife skills, dashi preparation, grilled and simmered dishes, and other cooking tasks in the kitchen of a Japanese restaurant.
Description
Itaba works in the kitchen of Japanese cuisine restaurants, primarily pre-processing seafood and vegetables appropriately, preparing dashi, and performing a wide variety of cooking including grilled, simmered, and fried dishes. Consistently handles knife skills, fire control adjustments, and plating that highlights seasonality, while also contributing to overall kitchen hygiene management and work efficiency. Typically starts as an apprentice under the head chef's instructions and advances career to sous chef and head chef.
Future Outlook
Stable demand continues due to the popularity of Japanese cuisine domestically and internationally. Labor shortages are a challenge, and skill succession, hygiene management, and adaptation to IT implementation will be important going forward.
Personality Traits
High concentration / Meticulous / Patient / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Apprentice training → Itaba position → Sous Chef → Head Chef → Independent business
Required Skills
Dashi preparation / Heat control / Hygiene management / Ingredient preparation / Knife skills / Plating
Recommended Skills
Communication skills / Cost management / Foreign language skills (English conversation) / Menu creation
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because high accuracy is required in knife handling and plating. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical stamina is required, such as handling heavy pots during long hours of standing work. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because it is necessary to withstand high pressure in the busy kitchen environment. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because advanced numerical analysis is not required in the kitchen. |
Related Qualifications
- Food Hygiene Supervisor
- Licensed Cook
Aliases
- Itamae
- Japanese Cuisine Chef
Related Jobs
- Head Chef
- Japanese Chef
- Sushi Chef