Japan 2025 – Tokyo – The sushi master

He describes himself as a sushi artist, while my host, being a high performance athlete, prefers to call him a sushi athlete.

«  We have been knowing each other for 15 years by now » explains us the gentleman.

It is quite impressive to observe him while he cuts the sushi and assembles it with the rice.

I am kind of hypnotized and cannot take my eyes off his hands.

The Sushi master is not just a sushi master.

When you prepare it on the counter in front of the clients, you are not just a chef.

You have a public you perform for.

That’s why he interacts a lot with us, speaking in English, asking about our countries, giving explanations about the fish and so on.

The conversation reaches its apex when he says his name: Sanpei.

My sister mentions the anime and to make sure we are all on the same page and understand which one we are talking about, looks for it on internet.

« How do you know the story of the boy that fishes? »

They are surprised.

We explain we grew up watching Japanese anime, that were very popular in our childhood.

« Yes, it’s him ».

I think that’s the perfect name for a sushi master.

First he can catch the fish and then transform it into delicious sushi.