Yukio Hattori dead at 78: What was the expert commentator on the TV show Iron Chef’s cause of death?

Yukio Hattori, who appeared on the TV show Iron Chef in the 1990s, was born in Tokyo, Japan, and graduated from Rikkyo University. He completed his doctoral studies at Showa University School of Medicine. 

Yukio Hattori then went on to become principal of Hattori Nutrition College in 1977 and was also according to The Japan Times, also “a member of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry's dietary education promotion council, making contributions to the enactment of a basic law on dietary education in 2005.”

During his lifetime, Yukio Hattori received awards such as the Chevalier in 2015. A Chevalier (Knight) is an award given by the French government for significant contribution to the enrichment of the French cultural inheritance. Yukio Hattori received a Chevalier for the promotion of French cuisine in Japan.

In 2020, Yukio Hattori received another honour, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. According to the Japan Foundation in Sydney, “The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese decoration of honour. Orders are awarded by the Government of Japan in April each year to individuals from both Japan and abroad who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of Japan. The Order has six classes, and it honours achievements in a variety of areas, including the promotion of culture and international relations.”

What was Yukio Hattori’s cause of death?

Yukio Hattori reportedly collapsed at Hattori Nutrition College. The Japan Times reported that he “was confirmed dead after being sent to hospital, according to investigative sources. He is believed to have died of an unspecified illness, sources said.”