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 … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I want to talk about something essential for any sushi chef: the sharpness of the knife. The Secret Tool Behind Professional Sharpness For a sushi chef, the knife is a vital partner — almost like life itself. And to maintain that perfect sharpness, a whetstone is indispensable. This time, … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to share some thoughts and photos while preparing “yakōgai” (glowing sea snail) that arrived from Okinawa. The firm, chilled flesh of the yakōgai in ice water. It has a gemstone-like presence. A Shell Like a Work of Art The first thing that caught my eye was the … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake. Stepping away from my days in Tokyo, I visited a shrine nestled in the mountains of Gifu. There, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom — quietly, yet powerfully, they stood in their glory. Even when no one is watching, spring still blooms faithfully. The Quiet That Teaches the Beginning … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to share an experience I had during a visit to Toki Onsen KAMABA in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture — a moment that reminded me of my roots as a sushi chef and the meaning of “resetting” or “centering” oneself. It felt as if each piece of pottery … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to share a personal and heartwarming story I recently experienced. A Nostalgic Reunion: What Time Teaches Us The other day, I had the chance to meet up with a former coworker for the first time in about three years. We used to work together about ten years … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to share a small but meaningful story about cultural exchange that happened while I was on my way back to my hometown. An Unexpected Encounter Today, as I was heading to the highway bus terminal to return home, I was suddenly approached by a foreigner. He was … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I want to share my thoughts on what it means to be a true professional, something I deeply felt during my training at Sushikawa in Sasazuka. The Moment I Witnessed Professional Service It’s been a while since I started working at Sushikawa, but the other day, I had the … Read more

Hello everyone, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’m stepping away from my usual sushi topics to share a recent smartphone trouble I encountered—and how I solved it. Recently, I had a small but serious problem with my phone: LINE notifications stopped coming through completely! Even when I received messages or calls, there were no pop-up … Read more

Hello, this is Sushi Hatake. Today, I’d like to share an exciting discovery about one of Japan’s most beloved beers — Yebisu Beer. An Unexpected Encounter The other day, I stopped by an izakaya (Japanese pub) on my way home from work and casually ordered a Yebisu Beer. As I waited for it to be … Read more