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.

The Quiet That Teaches the Beginning of Spring

The shrine grounds were incredibly silent, with barely a trace of human voices or the sound of cars. Only the petals of the cherry blossoms, swaying in the wind, gently signaled the changing season.

Standing in such a space, I found my mind gradually settling. The moment you truly feel, “Spring has come,” may not be in the midst of glittering scenes, but rather within these quiet moments.

The Season of “Sakura-Dai” Arrives with the Cherry Blossoms

When cherry blossom season arrives, it’s also the time when “sakura-dai” (cherry sea bream) reaches its peak in the Seto Inland Sea. Just before spawning, the flesh of the red sea bream becomes firm and rich — making it the perfect spring sushi topping.

Lightly blanched, gently salted, and finished with kombu curing, this one piece of sushi captures the essence of spring, bringing a soft smile to the faces of my customers. For a sushi chef, it truly feels like “holding spring in your hands.”

The Rhythm of Nature That Teaches Us About Food

Back in my farming days, I grew over 50 varieties of vegetables, attuning myself to the rhythm of the seasons. Feeling the scent of the wind or the texture of the soil, I could sense the coming season — and those days continue to shape my work as a sushi chef today.

A chef’s sensitivity is defined by whether they can notice the subtle changes in nature. Like these cherry blossoms, I want to be the kind of craftsman who carefully recognizes the small, easily missed shifts.

The Luxury of Tasting Spring

To gaze at the cherry blossoms while savoring seasonal sea bream — that, I feel, is a unique kind of “luxury” we enjoy in Japan. The moment you take a bite, the sweetness and aroma bloom on your tongue. Close your eyes, and the scenery of spring comes rushing back — that’s the kind of sushi I want to deliver.

At Sushi Hatake, I cherish the preparation and presentation that align with the seasons. It’s not just about making sushi, but offering an experience where you can truly feel the essence of spring. That’s the heart of the sushi catering I aim to provide.

Delivering a Taste of Spring in Tokyo

Currently, I continue my training at “Sushikawa” in Sasazuka while offering sushi catering services and sushi-making experiences throughout Tokyo. More and more, I find myself communicating in English with international guests, sharing the beauty of Japan’s seasons and food culture.

This spring, I would be delighted to bring a piece of the season’s memory — along with the fragrance of sakura-dai — to your table.

If you’re looking for sushi catering or sushi-making experiences in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake! I’ll deliver the season’s best, wrapping the scent of spring into every piece.