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 ago, and even after I left the company at age 32, we stayed in touch occasionally. He’s a reliable father, supporting his wife and three children.

Of course, we’ve both grown older (laughs), but apart from his increase in gray hair, his personality and presence hadn’t changed much. Seeing him made me keenly aware of the passage of time and my own age.

Sitting in a café, sipping coffee and catching up on each other’s lives was truly a precious time. While he has steadily built his career in the same company, I transitioned from being a farmer to becoming a sushi chef. Even though we’ve walked completely different paths, talking with him brought back the same familiar feeling as before.

Life Choices: From Salaryman to Sushi Chef

Meeting him again gave me a chance to reflect on the path I’ve taken. When I left the company at age 32 and became an organic farmer with “Hirai Farm,” he told me, “That’s a bold move,” but still supported me.

Now, at 43, I’ve taken another new step as a sushi chef. I currently handle the Tuesday and Wednesday dinner shifts at “Sushikawa” in Sasazuka, while also offering sushi catering and sushi-making experiences.

When I told him about my current work during our reunion, he laughed and said, “You really take on all kinds of challenges,” yet he listened with genuine interest. His unchanging kindness warmed my heart.

The Meaning of Growing Older

While it’s true that I’ve gained more gray hair and sometimes feel my physical stamina declining, growing older also brings many gains. For me, the transitions from salaryman → farmer → sushi chef have given me countless experiences and encounters, all of which shape who I am today.

Valuing Connections with Others

We each walk our own paths, but I believe that sometimes pausing to catch up with old friends is deeply meaningful. When we’re busy with daily life, we tend to forget, but connections with others are what truly enrich our lives.

Why not reach out to a friend or former colleague you haven’t spoken to in a while? You might discover something unexpected or gain a new insight.

My Life Now as a Sushi Chef and Looking Ahead

As for my current updates, in addition to my training at “Sushikawa” in Sasazuka, my sushi catering services are gradually expanding. I also offer sushi-making experiences for international guests, steadily preparing for my long-held goal of living and working abroad.

Looking for Authentic Edomae Sushi Catering in Tokyo?

If you want to enjoy authentic Edomae sushi at home or a special venue, or if you’d like to introduce Japanese food culture to overseas guests, I highly recommend our catering and sushi-making experiences. English support is available, so feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Life is a series of encounters and choices. Just as my reunion with an old friend reminded me, I want to continue treasuring each unique meeting and keep challenging myself in new ways.

For sushi catering or sushi-making experiences in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake! Please contact us through the inquiry form for details.