Hello everyone, this is Sushihatake.

Today, I’d like to share a bit of a personal and slightly embarrassing story. Lately, I’ve been dealing with some serious back pain…

The Toll of Standing All Day

Being a sushi chef might seem glamorous from the outside, but in reality, we’re on our feet for hours at a time. That puts a huge strain on our lower backs and shoulders. Especially when working on-site for private events, I often deal with counters and kitchens that aren’t ergonomically designed. The physical toll is no joke.

Just the other day, after a long string of back-to-back appointments, I got home and suddenly felt a sharp jolt in my lower back. The pain was intense—something I had never felt before—and honestly, it scared me.

My New Routine: Visiting a Chiropractor

Since then, I’ve been visiting a chiropractor twice a week. It’s been an eye-opening experience. They pointed out some posture issues and muscle imbalances that I’d never even considered.

According to my chiropractor, the main causes of my back pain were the way I stand and how I distribute my weight—plus a general imbalance in muscle use. I had no idea just how important it was to maintain good posture throughout the day.

What I’m Doing for Self-Care

I didn’t want to rely solely on chiropractic care, so I started incorporating a few self-care habits into my daily routine:

• Stretching every morning and night, especially around the hips and lower back
• Taking five minutes to meditate and check in with my body
• Doing a few squats between long tasks to loosen up

These small habits have made a big difference. If you spend long hours sitting or standing, I highly recommend giving them a try!

Rethinking My Work Style

This episode really forced me to reconsider how I work. There’s truth in the saying, “Your body is your most important asset.” To keep doing this job for years to come, I realized I need to treat my health as a professional responsibility.

Now I’m taking steps to adjust my working environment—modifying table heights, managing my schedule better, and just being more mindful overall.

Take Care of Your Body Too!

This illustration? It’s a bit exaggerated, but it really captures how I felt at the time (laughs)!

If you’re experiencing any discomfort in your body, don’t ignore it. Tuning in and addressing it early can make a huge difference down the line.

Bringing Sushi to You—With Care

When I head out for sushi catering gigs, I make sure my body is in top shape so I can serve you at my best. Your smiles are the best remedy I could ask for.

If you’re interested in enjoying authentic Edomae-style sushi right at home, feel free to reach out!