The Ginza Group, celebrated for introducing authentic yet approachable Japanese dining experiences to the Philippines, has once again set the bar high with The Counter at Ginza One, a yakitori omakase restaurant led by none other than Chef Masahiko Kodama, fondly referred to as one of Japan’s “Yakitori Gods.” 

With over 30 years of culinary mastery and a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition to his name, Kodama-san has crafted a dining experience that brings the artistry of Japanese yakitori to life in Makati.

Chef Masahiko Kodama

Kodama-san’s approach to yakitori is grounded in tradition, precision, and simplicity. 

“At The Counter, the yakitori is prepared the way it is done in Japan. It is salted, and the skewers are served fresh off the Binchotan grill,” shares Kodama-san.

The use of Japanese Binchotan charcoal, flown in from Japan, ensures the same smoky depth and clean flavor that Kodama’s loyal patrons in Tokyo have come to love.

Yakitori is served fresh off the grill

What sets The Counter apart is the seamless fusion of authenticity and innovation. While Kodama-san’s techniques remain firmly rooted in Japanese tradition, the restaurant has adapted its menu to showcase high-quality local ingredients. The only difference here and his Japanese restaurant is the source of chicken, which underwent the same meticulous process of sourcing Filipino chicken that meets Kodama-san’s exacting standards.

Diners at The Counter are treated to an omakase experience that is both intimate and interactive. With only a limited number of seats available, the restaurant replicates the ambiance of a traditional Japanese yakitori bar, where the chef (Kodama-san himself or The Counter’s Filipino chefs who personally trained directly with Kodama-san) prepares each skewer in front of the guests. 

Yakitori omakase at its finest 

The carefully curated omakase menu begins with light starters, which regularly varies depending on seasonality of ingredients and Kodama-san’s inspiration. The owners of The Ginza Group shared that Kodama-san gets to play more at The Counter, turning it into his test kitchen of sorts where he can explore the limits of his creativity. These appetizers set the stage for the main event: nine meticulously crafted yakitori skewers, each highlighting a specific part of the chicken. 

There is also Seseri, chicken neck, that provides a leaner, more flavorful cut, with the perfect char from the Binchotan grill.

To complement the meat, a seasonal Grilled Vegetable skewer is included, offering a burst of freshness to cleanse the palate. 

More than just a meal, dining at The Counter is an experience designed to foster connection between the diner and the chef, between Japanese tradition and Filipino innovation. The communal setup encourages conversations, whether diners are among friends or strangers. After all, there’s nothing like a great meal to bond over. 

The Counter at Ginza One is located at Eco Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. Instagram: @thecounter_ginzaph. Facebook: @thecounterginzaone.