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Situated in the heart of the Belleville district, the Chocolaterie Japonaise is a bustling place that has conquered the eyes and mouths of passersby for over seven years. Its owner and sponsor of the Japan Men’s National Volleyball team for the upcoming 2024 Olympics, Tendou Satori, doesn’t miss the opportunity to wave at a few regulars before personally letting us inside, and we can’t help but marvel at the sheer beauty of the chocolates and pastries behind the display cases. He doesn’t sit until we have a slice of Saint Honoré cake in front of us to experience first-hand the fruits of his hard labor. Just one bite into a glazed profiterole tells everything you need to know about his job.
Class of 1994, Tendou graduated from Shiratorizawa Academy, a prestigious high school in Sendai where his dedication to volleyball had time to develop.
“Shiratorizawa taught me discipline, which comes in handy in culinary school! But, sometimes you need a creative streak to surprise everyone,” he winks.
Creativity and resourcefulness, this young chocolatier doesn’t lack either of them. And maybe also a splash of liquid courage to leave home at 18 to pursue a career in a new place, learn a new language, and mold himself with a different culture. First stop: Bordeaux, at the Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie (INBP). Tendou’s voice recounts with fondness those three years of desperate study and work to support himself while sharing bowls of instant ramen with other international students, homesick but hopeful for the future.
“It was a gamble, a guess. I had never been anywhere overseas in my whole life, and this was my gateway. I wanted to prove to myself and others that I could stand well on my own two feet.”
And well he stood! After successfully completing his degree, another adventure was waiting for him in Paris. Tendou did not pass up the opportunity to work with Michel Chaudun in the flesh. His eyes are a little misty as he tells us of his maître’s research of balance and harmony in his chocolate blends.
All of these years of techniques, of studying, and of tasting brought Tendou where he is now. We are elated when he disappears into his laboratory and comes back with chocolate samples. The theme? JNT, of course! Each praline has a flavor and filling assigned to a different player, but they all share a perfect cherry red exterior, reminiscent of his homeland’s flag.
Our favorite is the Wakatoshi. Plum compote pairs well with the dark chocolate, a holy wedding that smells like summer practice in the countryside.
“I want to do more projects like these in the future. Not only to support my country, but to bring people closer to a sport I love. If I have to pass through their stomachs, so be it!”
We cannot help but wish him good luck. After the Wakatoshi praline, we feel a bit like aces, too!