Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to talk about the most joyful moments I experience as a sushi chef.

The Moment When Flavor Surpasses Words

Yesterday, a customer told me, “I’m just an amateur, but this sushi is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted — I can’t even put it into words, it’s so delicate and delicious...”

That phrase, “I can’t put it into words,” is actually the greatest compliment a chef can receive. That’s because encountering something truly delicious often becomes an experience that goes beyond language.

Evolving My Technique — A New Method Born from Pain

Recently, I made a major change to the way I shape sushi. At sushi school, we’re generally taught to create a small air pocket in the center of the rice. But once I started working professionally, I was using my fingers so intensely that I developed tendinitis at the base of my left middle finger.

Constantly feeling pain and realizing that I wouldn’t be able to continue working like this, I decided to change my technique. I began shaping the sushi without making an air pocket, gently placing everything together using my thumb in a much softer approach.

I wasn’t sure if this change was the right move, but seeing the customer’s reaction today reassured me that, at least for them, it was the “right answer.” Pursuing techniques that are both gentle on the body and bring joy to the customer — that, I believe, is the true evolution of a craftsman.

Unpacking the Secret of “Delicate” Sushi

The “delicate” feeling the customer described is actually the result of many elements coming together in perfect balance:

• The freshness and umami of the fish
• The temperature and texture of the rice
• The precision of the knife cut with an itoba (ultra-fine blade)
• The pressure and air balance when shaping
• The timing between shaping and when it’s brought to the mouth

With my new shaping technique, perhaps there’s now a more natural airiness between the rice and the fish. I’ll continue to experiment and strive for the ultimate piece of sushi.

A Craftsman Is Always Evolving

A craftsman’s skill is never complete. We must continue to evolve. Exploring ways to reduce physical strain while providing even better sushi is part of the wisdom required to sustain this work over the long term.

This change in shaping technique is just one part of that evolution. The customer’s feedback about experiencing “a flavor beyond words” showed me that I’m on the right path.

From here on, I will keep refining my craft so I can offer even more guests that indescribable deliciousness.

Experience Authentic Edomae Sushi in Tokyo

Would you like to experience this beyond-words deliciousness for yourself? At Sushi Hatake, we offer sushi catering services and hands-on sushi-making experiences that let you explore the world of authentic Edomae sushi.

For a memorable moment on a special day, please feel free to contact us. We also offer English support, so you can enjoy the experience together with guests from overseas.

If you’re looking for sushi catering or sushi-making experiences in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake!