The Vancouver chef who invented the California Roll is getting some special recognition from Japan's government.

The country's ministry of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries has appointed Hidekazu Tojo — owner and chef of Tojo's Restaurant — to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Japanese cuisine.

The appointment distinguishes him as belonging to the top tier of Japanese chefs, and he becomes one of only 13 such ambassadors overseas.

The Consul General of Japan in Vancouver will formally present a certificate to Tojo at a special ceremony next Thursday.

Tojo was born and trained as chef in Japan. In 1971 he moved to Vancouver and opened his first restaurant — Tojo's — in 1988.