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Tama Sushi’s Century-Long Legacy and Innovation Journey
Rising from Tsukiji Market: The Origin of Tama Sushi
Tama Sushi’s history traces back to 1924, when it was founded by the grandfather of current president Yohei Nakano in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. At that time, Tsukiji was the center of Japan’s seafood trade, attracting top sushi craftsmen and food enthusiasts. Tama Sushi quickly gained recognition for its fresh ingredients and skilled craftsmanship, becoming one of the most renowned sushi shops in the market. However, during World War II, the 1945 Tokyo air raids destroyed the shop, putting its future at risk.
After the war, Nakano’s grandmother took charge and rebuilt Tama Sushi. Faced with a labor shortage in the sushi industry, she personally trained herself as a sushi chef, ensuring that the traditional techniques of Tama Sushi were preserved. Through perseverance, she not only restored the business but also laid the foundation for the brand’s future success. As Japan entered its era of rapid economic growth, Tama Sushi seized expansion opportunities and established a flagship location in Ginza in 1971, further cementing its reputation.
