Jôichirô Yukihira, originally Jôichirô Saiba, was a legendary student at Tôtsuki Culinary Academy. He passed rigorous exams with little difficulty and became central to the Polar Star Dormitory's "Golden Era." Rising to the Elite Ten Council's 2nd Seat beneath his close friend Gin Dôjima, his carefree nature and neglect of administrative duties prevented him from taking the 1st Seat despite being considered his generation's best cook. His cooking earned both respect and fear among peers. He accumulated 101 wins in 121 recorded duels against Gin Dôjima and once defeated fifty upperclassmen simultaneously in a Régiment de Cuisine with devastating efficiency. This relentless dominance earned him the nickname "Asura." However, constant competition and a lack of worthy rivals led to profound burnout—a "Valley of Despair"—causing him to abandon his studies shortly before the BLUE competition and disappear without graduating. He traveled globally as a freelance chef, learning diverse techniques and sourcing unique ingredients. Though he rebuilt his reputation, he struggled to reignite his passion until encountering Restaurant Yukihira in Tokyo's Sumiredôri Shopping District. Initially repelled by owner Tamako Yukihira's poorly executed "Chef's Special," he was drawn to the restaurant's atmosphere and joined its staff. Observing Tamako's dedication to customer satisfaction rekindled his love for cooking. Their relationship deepened, leading to marriage and the birth of their son, Sôma Yukihira. Jôichirô adopted Tamako's surname, though many acquaintances still knew him as Saiba. He balanced work at the restaurant with periodic international travel to cook for high-profile clients. As a father, he mentored Sôma through experiential learning, encouraging his early interest. Sôma began kitchen work at age three. Their dynamic centered on intense culinary rivalries, culminating in 489 consecutive defeats for Sôma before he left for Tôtsuki. Jôichirô emphasized core principles like understanding customer expectations and maintaining composure, advising panic is a chef's greatest weakness. He deliberately withheld details of his past to avoid influencing Sôma's path but arranged for him to attend Tôtsuki and reside at Polar Star Dormitory—the same environment that shaped his own youth—to ensure his son's growth. He played a pivotal role in Erina Nakiri's childhood. Summoned to the Nakiri estate at age 28, he cooked a dish that captivated her with unique flavors and his charismatic presence, creating a turning point. He promised to taste her cooking when she became a great chef. His influence indirectly shaped her defiance against her father, Azami Nakiri, who had idolized him during their Tôtsuki days. During the events of *The Third Plate*, Jôichirô returned to Japan following Azami's takeover of Tôtsuki. He reunited with Gin Dôjima after years apart, confronting the crisis sparked by Azami's authoritarian reforms. His reappearance signaled his ongoing connection to the academy's legacy and his role in guiding the next generation.