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Tokyo restaurant Sézanne loses Michelin stars after chef's departure

Created at 11 Jun · 7:20 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Tokyo's Sézanne, formerly ranked No. 1 in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, has been stripped of its three Michelin stars. The change follows the departure of opening chef Daniel Calvert in April, with his replacement Stephen Lancaster now tasked with regaining the prestigious status.

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Key Numbers

3Michelin stars lost by Sézanne
2026Autumn update for Michelin Guide
1Previous ranking on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list
7Previous ranking on World's 50 Best Restaurants list
32kgWeight lost by Keizer Cheng
8 monthsTimeframe for Keizer Cheng's weight loss
97kgKeizer Cheng's starting weight
65kgKeizer Cheng's current weight
37%Keizer Cheng's starting body fat percentage
12.5%Keizer Cheng's current body fat percentage

Who's Involved

Sézanne
Tokyo restaurant that lost its Michelin stars
Daniel Calvert
Opening chef who departed Sézanne in April
Stephen Lancaster
New head chef at Sézanne
Michelin Japan
Guide that removed the restaurant's stars
Keizer Cheng
Hong Kong executive who lost 32kg
Tokyo restaurant Sézanne loses Michelin stars after chef's departure

↳ Why This Matters

The loss of Michelin stars for a highly-ranked restaurant like Sézanne highlights the significant impact of chef changes on culinary prestige and the rigorous evaluation process of the Michelin Guide. For individuals, stories of significant weight loss demonstrate the potential for transformative lifestyle changes.

Key facts

  • Tokyo's Sézanne restaurant has lost its three Michelin stars.
  • The departure of opening chef Daniel Calvert in April preceded the star removal.
  • Stephen Lancaster is the new head chef at Sézanne.
  • Sézanne was previously ranked No. 1 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list.
  • Hong Kong executive Keizer Cheng lost 32kg in eight months.

Tokyo's acclaimed Sézanne restaurant has been stripped of its three Michelin stars ahead of the guide's next update in autumn 2026. The prestigious culinary establishment, which previously held the No. 1 spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, experienced this change following the departure of its opening chef, Daniel Calvert, in April.

Calvert's replacement, Stephen Lancaster, who previously led Saint Pierre in Singapore to two-Michelin-star status, now faces the challenge of reclaiming the stars for Sézanne. The restaurant, located within the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, had a rapid ascent since its launch in July 2021, earning its first Michelin star within six months, a second a year later, and achieving three-star status in late 2024.

In response to inquiries, Michelin Japan stated that Sézanne's previous listing was taken offline due to significant changes in spring 2026. The restaurant has since reopened with a new team and is currently under evaluation. This move deviates from Michelin's general stance that stars are awarded to restaurants, not individual chefs, and should be retained if standards are maintained.

In a separate lifestyle story, Hong Kong executive Keizer Cheng, 27, successfully lost 32kg in eight months. Cheng's weight dropped from 97kg with a 37% body fat percentage to 65kg with 12.5% body fat. This transformation enabled him to participate in events like the 2026 Standard Chartered Hong Kong half-marathon and multiple Hyrox competitions.

Frequently asked questions

The restaurant lost its stars following the departure of its opening chef, Daniel Calvert, and subsequent significant changes to its team.

The restaurant is currently under evaluation by Michelin inspectors, with the guide's next update scheduled for autumn 2026.

Stephen Lancaster, who previously achieved two Michelin stars in Singapore, is the new head chef.

Keizer Cheng lost 32kg over an eight-month period.

What Happens Next

01Sézanne will be under evaluation by Michelin inspectors.
02Stephen Lancaster will aim to reclaim star status for Sézanne.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Tokyo restaurant Sézanne was stripped of its three Michelin stars.
The restaurant's previous listing on the Michelin Guide website was taken offline.
Sézanne has reopened with a new team and is under evaluation by inspectors.
Chef Daniel Calvert departed Sézanne in April.
Stephen Lancaster has replaced Calvert as head chef.
Sézanne achieved three Michelin stars in late 2024.
The restaurant ranked No. 1 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024.
The restaurant ranked No. 7 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025.

Sources

T1
Tokyo Sézanne’s missing stars; Hongkonger shed 32kg in 8 months: 7 lifestyle storiesSouth China Morning Post
T2
Where did Sézanne’s 3 Michelin stars go? Guide strips status after head chef departure | South China Morning Postscmp.com
T2
How this Hong Kong executive lost 32kg in 8 months through exercise and a diet overhaul | South China Morning Postscmp.com
T2
Where did Sézanne’s three Michelin stars go? Guide strips status after head chef departure | South China Morning Postscmp.com

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