Ever since he was young, Chef Taka has always had a passion for the art of Japanese cuisine.
From studying art in Shizuoka, Japan, apprenticing at Yamaha Hotel, and later, taking a leap across continents to a Toronto sushi restaurant, Chef Taka’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, leading him to become the sushi chef at the prestigious Fairmont Royal York Hotel, where he dedicated 13 years of his culinary expertise. However, it was the opportunity to design the RawBar menu at the Lobby Lounge in Fairmont Pacific Rim that became a turning point in Chef Taka’s career.
Once he arrived in Vancouver, Chef Taka stated that he “fell in love with the vibrancy of the city and was even more inspired,” leading him to begin teaching classes to share his knowledge. Noticing that it was difficult for his students to find good quality sashimi ingredients, he decided that “one day, he would open a sushi and sashimi shop that is accessible for people to create at home.” This was how Sashimiya was born.
Established in 2020, Sashimiya is a haven for sushi enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese snacks. Offering a curated selection of premium sashimi and sushi ingredients, including rice, nori, miso, soy sauce, and utensils, it’s a one-stop destination for all things sushi-related. From quick grab-and-go options for a hassle-free meal to Chef Taka personally slicing fish to your liking, Sashimiya caters to every sushi lover’s needs.
To Chef Taka, the best part of having his business downtown is being located in the centre of all the action. “We love being part of such a vibrant community and providing a slice of our Japanese cuisine and culture in the downtown core,” he says.
Whether you’re seeking a quick grab-and-go delight or embarking on a DIY sushi adventure at home, Chef Taka and his team await, ready to delight your palate with the freshest catches of the day. Visit Sashimiya at 1348 Hornby Street to check out their selection or explore their offerings online.
