Nobu Matsuhisa, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, founder of Nobu restaurants Nobu Matsuhisa is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the chef's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 12/04/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Matsuhisa for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 77-year-old chef, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Matsuhisa so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the chef have already been named ‘Japanese Of The Year’ by some major Japanese newspapers and even ‘Saitama Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Saitama (Nobu Matsuhisa's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the chef was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#MatsuhisaPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 11 Apr 2026

“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveNobu”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 11 Apr 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Nobu Matsuhisa?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Nobu Matsuhisa?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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