Sushi Ya, Ginza 6, Tokyo – sushi master Mamoru Hashimoto’s table and the marvel that is Shibuya crossing

Today we were guests at the table of Head Chef Mamoru Hashimoto’s sushi table. As you know, we got the hook up from our friends we met whilst sake tasting and when I tell you they did us a massive favour, they absolutely did!

We have had sushi loads of times in different places – London, Barna, Dam and they have been varied experiences. However, nothing compares to having sushi in the home of sushi – Japan! and by a sushi master – Hashimoto? unreal. Word on the street is, to be in this profession, you do an apprenticeship for 10 years – learning about cuts, knives, making the rice, choosing the fish, ingredients, balance of flavour, et al. So yeah, this is an art form steeped in tradition and Hashimoto is the MASTER!

The restaurant seats 8 people in a u-shaped style and the master himself is in the middle. The décor is mostly neutral wood ensuring that you, who is seated at the table is focused on the food and the man creating in before you. Hashimoto was very engaging and spoke to everyone in their mother tongue. Yep we had locals, a couple from China and a gentleman from Singapore. He talked about his preferred method of sushi making, his choice of ingredients, prep, joked (yep, the Japanese have a sense of humour folks) all the while creating some mouth-watering dishes.

We had 14, FOURTEEN courses made up of sashimi and sushi and these were just BOMB! Hashimoto served up a storm folks! We had everything that from scallops, red snapper, salmon roll, tuna cheek, octopus, sea brim, hamburger! I mean we were not READY for any of it, the freshness, flavour, taste, textures.. phew .. NOT R E A D Y!

It was equally fascinating to watch him work – rolling of the rice, cutting of the pieces, down to the precise way he held the knife (which of course is made by a man whose family have been making knives for years). This is Japan, people, things are built to last lifetimes!

This has got to be the best sushi yet!

Arigatogozaimashita Hashimoto.

You, sir, are indeed a master of your craft!

Kanpai

Ndidi

P.s. after spending 2 hours in Hashimato’s company, we decided to continue in our quest of seeing as much of the sights and sounds of Tokyo. You know we had to go see what all the fuss is about Shibuya crossing……… Incredible!