Francesco Bellissimo facts for kids

Francesco Bellissimo (Japanese: ベリッシモ・フランチェスコ, Berisshimo Furanchesuko) (born 3 January 1979 in Rome) is a famous Italian celebrity chef. He is also an actor, a TV personality (called a tarento in Japan), and a social media star. He is very skilled in martial arts, holding a 3rd dan black belt in Kyokushin karate. He is also an expert in olive oil.

Francesco Bellissimo lives and works in Japan. People there sometimes call him Italia no Taneuma (イタリアの種馬, Itaria no Taneuma), which means "Italian Stallion." He is also known as Italia Ryori no Kyosho (イタリア料理の巨匠, Itaria Ryori no Kyosho), meaning "Maestro of Italian Cuisine." He leads the Italian Cooking Association in Japan. A survey once showed he was the second most famous Italian in Japan, after Giorgio Armani. He also writes for many Japanese cooking magazines and books.

Early Life and Education

Francesco Bellissimo was born in Rome, Italy, on January 3, 1979. He became interested in cooking from a young age, learning from his parents. He went to the Alessandro Caravillani Art school in Rome. Later, he studied philosophy at Sapienza University of Rome. During this time, he also joined the army and finished his training there. In 2001, he moved to Japan. He studied Japanese at the YMCA and even won first place in a Japanese debate contest.

Career Highlights

Since the 2010s, Francesco Bellissimo has become a very well-known Italian TV personality in Japan. This is thanks to popular shows like "Sekai no minna ni kiitemita" and "Sekai banzuke". His friendly image often helps promote different products, both Italian and Japanese. He takes part in many live events in Japan, Italy, and other countries.

Bellissimo is often asked to be a presenter, guest, or host at events. These events cover topics like food, fashion, lifestyle, and culture. He has also appeared in TV commercials and on news programs. Besides being a chef and TV personality, he works as a food critic. He also advises on Italian cuisine, gives motivational speeches, and models for fashion magazines. He writes columns and essays, and even works as a sports commentator. He is known for his knowledge of Italian fashion. People often call him "one of the trendiest chefs in the industry."

Sharing Italian Cuisine History

In 2017, Bellissimo started a special cultural project. He worked with historian Daniele Macuglia from Peking University. Together, they explored the cuisine of Leonardo da Vinci and Ancient Rome. They recreated old Italian dishes that had been forgotten. They also gave lectures at universities and cultural centers. These talks took place in the United States, the European Union, and Japan.

TV Shows and Appearances

Francesco Bellissimo has appeared in many different TV programs.

Television Variety Programs

• Handsome Kitchen (Fuji Television)
• Waratte Iitomo! (Fuji Television)
• Wagamama!Kimama!Tabikibun (BS-Fuji)
• GakkoChakkoTV (Akita Television)
• Konnichiwa Itto6ken (NHK)
• Kitchen ga hashiru! (NHK)
• One Seg Lunch Box Raku Gohan (NHK)
• Junbanmachi no Ryorikyoshitsu (LaLa TV)
• Sekai ga Odorita Nippon!Sugoi desune!!Shisatsudan (TV Asahi)
• Uchigohan (TV Asahi)
• Eko no Saho (TV Asahi)
• Shikamo!! (Nippon Television)
• Sekai banzuke (Nippon Television)
• Osama no brunch (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
• Sekai fushigi hakken! (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
• Sekai no minna ni kiitemita (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
• Sekai kurabetemitara (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
• Bara iro Dandi (Tokyo MX)
• Goji ni Muchu(Tokyo MX)

Television Dramas

• Kyō wa Kaisha Yasumimasu. (2014) as an Italian Chef
• Kore wa Keihi de Ochimasen! (2019) as an Italian Chef
• Le avventure del Comandante Cappellini - Sensuikan Cappellini-go no Boken (2022) as Simone

Live Sports Broadcasting

• Blaublitz Akita matches (Akita Television)

Commercials

• Suits for AEON's Top Value line (March–May 2014)
• Italian suits for AEON's Top Value line (September–November 2014)
• Setagaya Shizensyokuhin (December 2018 – )
• Croquette no Manma for Mikakuto Co., Ltd (October 2019 – December 2019)

Awards

Francesco Bellissimo has received awards for his work on television.

Sky PerfecTV! Awards