Hello everyone! This is Takehiro Hirai, also known as Sushi Hatake. Today, I’m excited to share a new milestone in my life. At the age of 43, I graduated from The Open University of Japan and earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree!

Life Takes Unpredictable Paths

Looking back, my journey has been anything but ordinary—from a company employee to an organic farmer, and now a sushi chef. When I quit my corporate job at 32 to run my own farm, Hirai Farm in Gifu Prefecture, I never imagined that just a few years later, I would become a sushi chef.
Those days, growing over 50 varieties of vegetables and delivering them to fine restaurants and individual customers, laid a strong foundation for who I am today.

However, after closing the farm, I faced the unexpected challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced me to cancel my planned study abroad in the Philippines.

Starting at The Open University and My Determination to Master English

While I was training at a sushi academy and later honing my skills at Sushi Kawa in Sasazuka, I made the decision two years ago to enroll at The Open University.
Having only graduated from a junior college in my younger days, I felt that earning a bachelor’s degree would support my future goal of working abroad.

One of my strongest motivations was to study university-level English.
After struggling with communication during my first solo trip abroad to Thailand, I began relearning English from the basics through self-study. I wanted to know what university English was like, and that curiosity fueled my decision to enter the university.

Given the increasingly strict immigration policies worldwide, I also thought a bachelor's degree might help (though honestly, I'm not sure exactly how much... lol). More than anything, I simply wanted to improve my English skills.
Finally, on March 22, 2025, I proudly received my diploma.

Mastering English and Sushi Skills from a Global Perspective

To thrive as a sushi chef overseas, not only technical skills but also language skills are essential.
Thanks to my studies at the university, I feel that my ability to explain sushi in English has significantly improved.

From starting with simple sentences like “I am” and “I was,” I have grown to a level where I can now communicate with international guests while preparing sushi for them.
The experience of studying at university further deepened my confidence and abilities.

A Lifelong Pursuit of Beauty

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for beauty, often visiting art museums when I travel.
I believe sushi-making is very similar to creating art—it’s about bringing out the natural beauty of each ingredient and shaping every piece with a sense of artistry.

Studying at The Open University allowed me to view this aesthetic sensibility in a broader cultural and historical context.
It helped me reevaluate the global significance of sushi as part of Japan’s traditional culture.

What I Gained from My "Student Life" at 43

Born on July 12, 1981, this period of learning marked a major turning point for me.
Balancing my work providing sushi catering services and working at Sushi Kawa while studying was certainly challenging.
However, interacting with classmates of various ages and backgrounds greatly broadened my horizons.

These past two years reaffirmed how wonderful it is to keep challenging oneself, no matter your age. Receiving my diploma is the tangible result of that effort.

Looking Ahead

Currently, I mainly work at Sushi Kawa in Sasazuka during Tuesday and Wednesday dinner services, while also offering private sushi catering and sushi-making experiences.
Especially, providing English-friendly sushi services and workshops for overseas customers has become one of my key strengths.

How will my new degree and improved English skills open up opportunities for overseas expansion or new business ventures?
It’s still uncertain, but I’m committed to steadily refining both my craft and language skills while exploring new possibilities.

Conclusion – It’s Never Too Late to Learn

From office worker to farmer to sushi chef, my life has been full of changes.
Now, with the achievement of a bachelor's degree at 43, I’m opening a new chapter.
I truly feel, firsthand, that “It’s never too late to learn.”

I’ll continue working step by step toward my goal of taking on new challenges abroad.
I hope my story can inspire you to have the courage to try something new, no matter your age!

If you’re interested in sushi catering or sushi-making experiences, leave it to Sushi Hatake (formerly Hirai Farm)!
We now offer English-friendly services as well.
Also, I look forward to seeing you at Sushi Kawa during Tuesday and Wednesday dinner times!

You can also watch my journey—from farming to sushi—on my YouTube channel, Sushi Hatake. Please feel free to check it out!