Tatsuo Hioki, born in Misugimura (current Misugicho, Tsushi), Ichishigun, Mie on June 20th, 1935, started his career at 18 as an apprentice-Itamae and continued his practice in Osaka. (Itamae: chef who is skilled in Japanese cuisine)

During training, he also self-studied management, architecture and design. In 1960, he took part in the establishment of Kani-Doraku and then moved to Nagoya in 1968 to expand business. After moving to Nagoya, he founded Nagoya Kani-Doraku Co., Ltd. , Kanihonke Co., Ltd.

Mr. Hioki is well-known for his idea of the crab-in-motion sign and the various creative crab dishes served at Sapporo Kanihonke.