Joichiro Yukihira, born Jōichirō Saiba, was a student at Tōtsuki Culinary Academy over twenty years before the main narrative. He became a defining presence during the Polar Star Dormitory's "Golden Era," celebrated for his prodigious talent and carefree nature. Rising to the 2nd seat of the Elite Ten Council, subordinate only to his best friend Gin Dōjima, he earned the moniker "Asura" through ruthless dominance in culinary battles. This reputation solidified after he single-handedly defeated fifty upperclassmen in a Régiment de Cuisine. Despite his achievements, he faced burnout and existential doubt, prompting him to abandon the prestigious BLUE competition. Following advice from Headmaster Senzaemon Nakiri, he departed Japan without graduating to seek purpose. Traveling globally as a freelance chef broadened his culinary horizons, yet failed to rekindle his passion. During a return visit to Japan, he encountered Restaurant Yukihira and its owner's daughter, Tamako Yukihira. Though initially repelled by her cooking, he found himself captivated by her authentic rapport with customers and the diner's welcoming spirit. He joined as a guest chef, eventually marrying Tamako and adopting her surname. Her influence tempered his cooking style and revitalized his love for the craft. They had a son, Sōma Yukihira, and operated the diner jointly until Tamako's death from illness during Sōma's childhood. As a father, he guided Sōma through informal cooking duels at their diner, accumulating 489 consecutive victories. He stressed adaptability, resilience under pressure, and the critical importance of meeting customer expectations. To propel Sōma's development, he closed the diner and enrolled him at Tōtsuki, convinced the academy's trials would enable Sōma to surpass him. He kept occasional contact with former associates like Gin and Polar Star's dorm matron Fumio Daimidō, though his wanderlust and secretive tendencies constrained these ties. His legacy extended beyond Sōma. While doing charity work at a U.S. orphanage, he mentored a young boy named Asahi, imparting cooking skills and informally adopting him. Asahi later took the Saiba surname, viewing Jōichirō as a father. However, Jōichirō's sudden departure to care for Sōma after Tamako's death fueled Asahi's jealousy and eventual descent into underground cooking. Separately, during a meeting at the Nakiri estate, he cooked for a young Erina Nakiri, who was profoundly captivated by his dish and demeanor. This moment ignited her culinary path, and he pledged to taste her cooking when she became a great chef—a vow she treasured. His culinary approach centered on "Yukihira Style," prioritizing improvisation, cross-cultural techniques, and dishes crafted to evoke emotional satisfaction. He occasionally revisited Tōtsuki to offer Sōma indirect support, such as aiding rebels against Azami Nakiri's regime, while deliberately avoiding public revelation of their relationship.