My Japanese Books
The heart of Ginza’s Sukiyabashi Jiro: alive and well in Seattle
Shiro Kashiba has been making Edomae-zushi (*) for 51 years. Chef Kashiba’s counter is full with guests, from avid food enthusiasts to top executives of the world’s largest companies, all there for one thing: to savor this man’s sushi. It is, indeed, a sight to behold.
The windows of the restaurant’s dining room frame a view of the bustling public market below and a peaceful ocean in the background. “We serve Seattle-style Edomae-zushi. Edomae means Edo Bay and here, well, we have the Puget Sound. The Pacific Northwest is great because it has four seasons, just like in Japan. Our main focus is to serve our guests local, seasonal specialties at peak freshness”, remarks Chef Kashiba, who began his apprenticeship at the age of 19. It was then that he met the author of our featured book, the man who would become his master, the revered Jiro Ono.
“I was a clueless youngster,” chuckles Kashiba,”but I sure had a good time with so much to learn. What I was able to learn from my six and a half years working together with Jiro-san is simply immeasurable. One piece of advice in particular that has stuck with me is whatever you do, never be lazy.”
There is one thing the soft spoken Chef Kashiba pays extra attention to when dealing with his American patrons:
“For my guests eating sushi for the first time, I serve the most delicious thing we have in the house right out of the gate. When it is someone’s first time eating something, you have to leave a lasting, delicious impression, because no one can argue with a guest’s palate. With a little experience, though, even people who have had a fear of eating raw fish can grow to like sushi. I learned all of these important things from Jiro-san.”
A chef will usually place a piece of sushi favoring a diner’s right hand, but in Chef Jiro’s case he will silently change to the left hand side if he is ever serving a left handed guest. He also adjusts the amount of sushi rice for his elderly and female guests. This is all a testament to Chef Jiro’s attention to detail when he is making sushi. “It was just like Jiro-san always used to do,” said Chef Kashiba, reflecting on memories his master after reading the book, inspired once again.
‘Arigato;’ another local guest bids their chef adieu, still reveling in the sushi as they turn for the door. It is a moment that reminds Chef Kashiba why he has been making sushi for all these years. “Jiro-san is still standing behind the counter and he’s, what, 92 years old? You know that means I am just going have to give it my all then, too”, says Chef Kashiba, realizing the future set before him. Moving forward, Chef Kashiba has voiced his desire to form an association that would help pass on Japanese culinary traditions to Americans.
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*What is Edomae-Zushi?
Edomae-zushi is a traditional fast food that originated in the early 19th century in Edo, the former name of Tokyo. In modern times, the amount of fish in Edomae (modern Tokyo Bay) has become limited. These days, Edomae zushi broadly refers to sushi which upholds the traditional style.
JIRO GASTRONOMY
A go-to guide to the pinnacle of Japanese sushi
Every year when I go home to Japan in June, I always go to visit Jiro-san. He gives me signed copies of his books whenever there is a new publication. I even have a copy of a manga that was made about Jiro-san. This book I also got from the man himself. Jiro-san’s sense of responsibility, care and hospitality toward his guests fills the pages. It almost makes you think that the way to understanding the heart of the Japanese people may very well be through sushi. All I know is that Jiro-san’s meticulous thoughtfulness is something that can be appreciated around the world and I am proud to maintain as the core of my professional philosophy.
(Shiro Kashiba)
Photos by Andrius Simutis, Reported by Michi Murayama, Translated by Asher Ramras, Edited by Yu Fujita
