Saikō Sushi! (Supreme Sushi | 最高寿司) ⋅ In this mini episode, Molly visits Hatsune-zushi, a charming six-seat sushi restaurant near Yoyogi-Uehara Station in Tokyo, Japan. After a lively meal, Chef Koichi shares stories from his 32 years behind the sushi counter, from his favorite seasonal fish to the sensitivity and care that define the craft of sushi. With help from Molly's friend Rino, who translates in Japanese, Chef Koichi reflects on the fulfillment he finds in his work and the joy of preparing memorable meals for the many fascinating people who have visited his restaurant. This intimate conversation captures the spirit of a neighborhood sushi bar, where the Japanese values of shokunin, the pursuit of mastering one's craft, and omotenashi, the art of earnest hospitality, come together through food and human connection. Follow @hatsunesushi_yoyogiuehara or visit the restaurant at Shibuya-ku Nishihara 3-17-10 next to Yoyogi-Uehara station in Tokyo. Episode Highlights 00:52 Inside Hatsune-zushi 01:34 Chef Koichi takes the mic 02:16 32 years of sushi 02:48 Serving happiness, one piece at a time 04:58 Stories from behind the counter 06:15 Becoming a sushi master 07:53 A Life shaped by sushi 08:35 Saikō! Until next time Cover photo credit: Molly Mamaril
Saikō Sushi! (Supreme Sushi | 最高寿司) ⋅In this mini episode, Molly visits Hatsune-zushi, a charming six-seat sushi restaurant near Yoyogi-Uehara Station in Tokyo, Japan. After a lively meal, Chef Koichi shares stories from his 32 years behind the sushi counter, from his favorite seasonal fish to the sensitivity and care that define the craft of sushi. With help from Molly's friend Rino, who translates in Japanese, Chef Koichi reflects on the fulfillment he finds in his work and the joy of preparing memorable meals for the many fascinating people who have visited his restaurant. This intimate conversation captures the spirit of a neighborhood sushi bar, where the Japanese values of shokunin, the pursuit of mastering one's craft, and omotenashi, the art of earnest hospitality, come together through food and human connection.
Follow @hatsunesushi_yoyogiuehara or visit the restaurant at Shibuya-ku Nishihara 3-17-10 next to Yoyogi-Uehara station in Tokyo.
Episode Highlights
00:52 Inside Hatsune-zushi
01:34 Chef Koichi takes the mic
02:16 32 years of sushi
02:48 Serving happiness, one piece at a time
04:58 Stories from behind the counter
06:15 Becoming a sushi master
07:53 A Life shaped by sushi
08:35 Saikō! Until next time
Cover photo credit: Molly Mamaril
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Saikō Sushi!（最高寿司）⋅ このミニエピソードでは、モリーが東京・代々木上原駅近くにある、わずか6席の魅力的な寿司店「初音鮨（はつねずし）」を訪れます。活気ある食事のひとときを終えた後、店主の浩一（こういち）さんが、寿司職人として過ごした32年間の歩みを語ってくれます。お気に入りの旬の魚の話から、寿司という職人技に不可欠な繊細さや心遣いに至るまで、その内容は多岐にわたります。通訳を務めるモリーの友人・リノさんの助けを借りながら、浩一さんは仕事への充実感や、店を訪れる数多くの魅力的な人々のために心に残る食事を用意する喜びについて振り返ります。この親密な会話からは、地域に愛される寿司店ならではの精神が感じられます。そこでは、技を極める「職人」の精神と、誠心誠意のおもてなしという日本の価値観が、食と人とのつながりを通じて融合しているのです。
Instagramで @hatsunesushi_yoyogiuehara をフォローするか、東京・代々木上原駅すぐ（渋谷区西原3-17-10）にあるお店をぜひ訪れてみてください。
エピソードのハイライト
00:52 「初音鮨」の店内
01:34 店主・浩一さんの語り
02:16 寿司職人としての32年間
02:48 一貫ごとに届ける幸せ
04:58 カウンター越しに生まれた物語
06:15 寿司職人の道を極める
07:53 寿司と共に歩んだ人生
08:35 Saikō（最高）！また次回お会いしましょう
カバー写真提供：モリー・ママリル