Hello everyone, this is Sushi Hatake!
Today, I’d like to have a slightly more serious conversation.
When you’re about to make a major life decision, what do you think about most?
Especially when facing financial uncertainty, how do you deal with it?

From Office Worker to Farmer, and Then to Sushi Chef

I (Sushi Hatake) left my stable corporate life at the age of 32.
The decision was triggered by marriage and a job transfer issue.
Honestly, giving up a steady income was terrifying.
Just like in this photo, I spent countless hours calculating numbers and questioning, “Can I really make this work?”

But because I took that leap, I was able to start Hirai Farm (the predecessor of Sushi Hatake) in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture.
There, I had the precious experience of growing over 50 types of vegetables and delivering them to French restaurants and individual customers—something I could have never imagined during my corporate days.

How I Faced Financial Anxiety

As the message in the photo says,
"The poor must master the art of breathing and saving in order to survive."
This harsh reality hit me hard when my income became unstable.
Especially after closing the farm, when my plan to move abroad collapsed due to COVID-19, I truly couldn’t see what lay ahead.

During that time, what I chose to do was invest in myself.

• Improved my English skills through three years of domestic and international travel
• Earned a university degree (I graduated this March!)
• Acquired sushi chef skills at a sushi academy

Precisely because it was a tough financial time, I decided to invest in learning for the future.
Back when I was younger, I could never have imagined that I would graduate from university at the age of 43.

A New Challenge as a Sushi Chef

Currently, I’m working at Sushi Kawa in Sasazuka, mainly handling dinner service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Every day, I continue to polish my skills as a sushi chef.

Facing financial fears is never easy.
But if you have the courage to take a step forward, you might find paths opening up that you never expected.
If you are feeling anxious about your future, I encourage you to consider investing in yourself.
Learning new skills can greatly expand your future possibilities!

Balancing My Mind Through Art and Cycling

Mental health is just as important as financial stability.
I always make it a point to visit art museums when I travel, and I also love cycling.
These hobbies have been a great source of emotional support whenever I’ve faced tough times.
I highly recommend finding hobbies that give you mental breathing space!

Mastering Edomae Sushi in Tokyo, with a Dream of Going Global

Right now, I’m honing my sushi skills in Tokyo.
This is part of my larger dream: to one day take Japanese food culture abroad.
I aim to become a sushi chef who can explain sushi culture in English to international customers.

When you stand at a crossroads in life, you may feel your hands tremble with fear.
But beyond that fear, a brand-new world may be waiting for you.
If you are hesitating about something, why not take that courageous first step?

If you’re looking for a sushi catering service in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake, which also offers English-friendly service!
We also provide hands-on sushi-making experiences, perfect for entertaining overseas guests.
Please feel free to reach out through our contact form!