# Francesco Bellissimo

Francesco Bellissimo (Japanese: ベリッシモ・フランチェスコ, Berisshimo Furanchesuko) (born 3 January 1979 in Rome) is an Italian celebrity chef, actor, foreign tarento, social media personality, fashion influencer, lifestyle influencer, entrepreneur , martial artist and sommelier dell'Olio. He holds the rank of 3rd dan black belt in Kyokushin karate. He is living and working in Japan, and nicknamed Italia no Taneuma (イタリアの種馬, Itaria no Taneuma, lit. "Italian Stallion") and Italia Ryori no Kyosho (イタリア料理の巨匠, Itaria Ryori no Kyosho, lit. "Maestro of Italian Cuisine"). He is the president of the Italian Cooking Association in Japan, known as "Italian Ryouri Kenkyukai" in Japanese. In a survey he was found to be the second most famous Italian in Japan after Giorgio Armani.
Bellissimo writes for various Japanese cooking magazines and books.

## Early life

Born in Rome on 3 January 1979, Bellissimo took an early interest in cooking through his parents. Graduated from the Alessandro Caravillani Art school of Rome. During his time at Sapienza University of Rome, he entered the army and graduated from school there. In 2001, he came to Japan and graduated from a Japanese language class at the YMCA. He has won first place at a Japanese debate contest.

## Career

Since the 2010s, Francesco Bellissimo has become the most prominent Italian television personality on Japanese TV, largely due to the success of shows like "Sekai no minna ni kiitemita" and "Sekai banzuke" His positive image is frequently associated with various products, both Italian and Japanese, through live events in Japan, Italy, and abroad. Bellissimo is often sought after as a presenter, guest, and moderator at major conferences and cultural events, particularly those centered on food, lifestyle, and entertainment. Additionally, he has appeared in commercials and on news programs. Besides his work as a chef and a foreign tarento, Bellissimo has experience as a food critic, Italian cuisine consultant, motivational speaker, model for fashion magazines, columnist, essayist, and sports commentator. His expertise in Italian culture extends to fashion, where he has been recognized for his trendsetting approach.

## Influencer Career

Francesco Bellissimo's influence extends beyond television and gastronomy, making him a recognized figure in the digital and lifestyle space. As a fashion, food, and lifestyle influencer, he collaborates with renowned Italian and international brands, often blending Italian aesthetics with Japanese cultural elements. His social media presence and online content attract a broad audience, further amplifying his impact beyond traditional media. In addition to his television appearances, Bellissimo has engaged in international marketing campaigns, leveraging his cross-cultural appeal to promote luxury, wellness, and travel-related initiatives. His expertise in Italian fashion has also led to partnerships with global brands, positioning him as a key figure in the intersection of food, style, and contemporary culture.

## Ambassador of the history of Italian cuisine

In 2017, Bellissimo has launched a cultural program on the cuisine of Leonardo da Vinci and Ancient Rome together with historian Daniele Macuglia from Peking University. With Macuglia, he reconstructs forgotten dishes of the Italian culture and lectured at various universities and cultural institutes in the United States, China, European Union and Japan.

## Social Responsibility & SDGs

Francesco Bellissimo actively supports initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainability, food education, and social inclusion. He has participated in environmental campaigns promoting responsible food consumption and has volunteered in programs supporting children and the elderly. Through collaborations with charities and non-profits, he contributes to food distribution efforts and awareness campaigns, using his platform to promote positive social change.

## Filmography
### Appearances in 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)

### Appearances in Television Dramas

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

### Appearances in Live Sports Broadcasting

* Blaublitz Akita matches (Akita Television)

### Appearances in 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)