What Owning a Sushi Restaurant in Japan is Like 

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Now I know the secrets to owning and running a sushi restaurant, get ready for "Abroad Sushi", the sushi restaurant London doesn't deserve. Thank you to Satoshi and his wonderful staff for letting me run around the restaurant for a couple of days! We met about five years ago at a party and often talked about making a video together in the years since. As the years passed and we just never got around to it, I never expected we’d actually make it. But being stuck indoors for many months this year ignited some resolve and I vowed this would be the year we filmed it - no more excuses. So unsurprisingly I’m delighted we finally got to hang out and film the video together. I hope you enjoy the video and remember if there’s something you really want to do, don’t just talk about it. Actually get on with it! It’s so easy to become your own worst enemy. Now back to planning my sushi restaurant.

This is honestly better than netflix documentaries

I dipped a piece of sushi in soy sauce once at a fancy restaurant, the chef gave me a look. I had no clue why, after the meal, he came up to me like a gentleman and explained that the sushi already has soy on top, and more sauce only ruins the taste. He smiled and was very kind. I then asked, why did I get soy sauce next to my sushi tray if I'm not supposed to dip the sushi in there?. He said some people like to add more soy sauce to the piece of sushi, like dip the sides and such, especially in the west. But in Japan most people eat the sushi the way it was served, with a glaze of soy on top. He said the only reason I told you this is because I wanted you to have a genuine sushi experience and that he usually never tells costumers. What a guy! Since then I never dip my sushi in sauce, I simply glaze it like he did.

I thought the chef was like early 20's then he said he's turning 36!? WHAT

"No. Never. Take care" - Satoshi Ueno

Ueno-san looked so happy when he shot down your dream of a sushi restaurant in London, it was the perfect way to end the video.

That chef seemed so nice.

“Each piece of sushi tells a story.” Words of someone who takes nothing but pride and joy in his work. Amazing.

At 9:34 that guy is having his 36th Birthday. He looks like he's 23. Thats pretty good.He'll probably look like 50 when he hits 130 years old then.

I got an ad about cats with you in it and I thought I misread the title lol

"Should we eat now?" "umm not yet" Akward chris intensifies

If you ever get the chance to taste real wasabi, go for it. It's milder and more subtle than the green horseradish in a tube. It has a nice ramp up but doesn't clear the sinuses like the tube stuff.

Chef: "The most important part of being a sushi chef is reading the customer." *two seconds later* "Chris, you should try this fattiest part of the fish." Chris, he's throwing shade.

The head chef has such an attractive charisma and charm, what a smile too.

Two things impressed me about this video: 1. Great production quality. Chris has been steady improving on his content but this takes the top spot. 2. Chris seems like a really good driver. Two hands on the wheel, upright seat, very attentive to the road and I feel he'd not be too proud to ask for directions.

めっちゃ面白いですし日本語字幕があるおかげで聞き取りの練習にもなってます！ 日本人でもあまり見れない光景をこうやって海外の方が世界に向けてやってくれるのはなんというか日本人として嬉しいです！！

how you actually interacted with the chef and actually let him speak properly and not like reading from a scrip is damn great, I ate sushi only once in my life and it's nothing compared to what I just saw here, as you said "bloody hell," damn I wish I could eat there some day.

People misinterpreted Chris when he said "muscles", he was referring that he had a order of mussels before he got to the restaurant.

The production and sushi are resplendent. I am wholeheartedly inspired.

You know...Chris, you really know how to make people abroad come and visit Japan. Obviously you weren't behind all of the stuff that you film about from Japan, but you really know how to film these videos in a way that really appeals to everyone. Seeing you enjoy those perfect, fresh sushi can make anyone criminally jealous.

I appreciate your honesty, wit, and lessons from your experiences in Japan! I am glad my son recommended your channel 😀

Chris needs to seriously be making documentaries. He is honestly very talented and the Fukushima documentary was outstanding. Keep doing what you do best Chris.

I got an ad for your cat documentary Chris while watching this lol.

Im a 17yo boys, who soonly work in japan as a chef (im preparing my self to get scholarships). and being master in sushi is one of my goal. I have been seen a lot of video that chef preparing the sushi, but I need more than that. Like manners while eating sushi and how to prepare the fish properly and mastery. All I get in 1 video. Thanks for sharing the experience, this might be very important for me in the future.

Chef: "It doesnt matter how you eat your sushi, with chopsticks, your hands, do as you like. Me: "Takes out my Spork" Chef:"Put that away M*****f*****!"

That is the most Dreamcrushing ending ever ...

Am I about to watch a 20+ min video about one of my favourite foods while I currently have nothing in the house? Yes

honestly this video is so damn good,the thumbnail,showing the business from buying fish and turning it into a gorgeous food and the smile that ueno make after shooting chris down with chris idea of opening sushi restaurant in London

I appreciate the Japanese "noises" Mr Broad makes when in conversation with the owner.

that whole bit about the forest affecting the sea affecting the fish is such a gem. if only more could think that. especially ceos. if we took care of nature, nature would take care of us. no need for greed

I’m a silent viewer and never comment but felt I had to on this occasion. Well done Chris- a wonderful piece of work. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 10/10!

Directly engaging staff for feedback, being adaptable and innovative, understanding for the bigger picture. These a qualities that make a good president. Ueno will continue to do well.

Satoshi trying to be polite when he asks how he looks is hilarious. 2:35

And while we’re on the topic… A little advice for food travellers in Japan. There are a lot of intriguing little independent sushi places around. And while they are sometimes amazing, they often don’t have a price (clearly) displayed, and you can find yourself stuck with a 10,000¥ bill unexpectedly. So if you’re not a local, it’s usually safest to stick to the chain restaurants OR if you have the budget, well-established places like the one in this video. KP!

The thumbnail stares into my soul. He knows everything I have done and everything I will do.

Once you’ve had sushi in Japan it’s terrible anywhere else.

Ueno-san has such a beautiful restaurant. Thanks to him and you for sharing it with us

The chef is so eager and happy to show you his favorite parts and seems to enjoy what he is doing. It is very refreshing to see someone smile not just a customary habit but with a pure attitude about his work.

The whole balance with nature was something people don't usually think about. Eye opener.

Having just watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi, I can appreciate what everyone in this video does to create the product they turn out for their clientele. すばらしい

The head Chef is hilarious with his Iron Chef meme ! What a cool laid back guy, he'd make for a much more relaxing dining experience than the typical much older Head Chefs. It's a testimony to the Owner who was so incredibly generous with giving so much of his time to Chris to make this video. Definitely a must visit if ever in Sendai or indeed any of his chains locations. Outstanding !

Chris: I don't like Japanese TV, it's always "wow that's amazing, oh it's delicious" Also Chris: Bloody hell that's good, so jucy and flavourful, so perfect! Sometime things are just that good...

The fact that Ueno-san grasps the fact that the balance between the land and the sea needs to be kept to keep his company going for generations to come shows he is very much up to the task of running his family's business. I wish more businesses recognized that fact. I have added Sushi Masa to my bucket list of places to visit in Japan.

I love videos like this the most, where you tell a story about a place and people. It feels more genuine than your average travel video, and I’m more inclined to visit a restaurant i’ve learned the story of than a storyless one

Thanks Chris, this was such a good watch. My mouth is literally watering, that sushi looked perfect.

I need “muscle... that’s what it is” on a shirt

The spot looks legit, clean and modern with the staff that knows what they are doing. Looking forward to trying that spot on my next visit to Japan.

Honestly thank you Ueno-san so much for being open minded enough for the conversation + knowledge sharing + fish market tour etc. I sincerely appreciate, of course thank you Chris as well for hosting. Looking forward for future contents :)

Now, when we get that classic in-car driving shots, while Chris is delivering the premise to the video, I can finally say that Abroad in Japan fully transformed to a TV-quality food show. Abroad in a pan.

6:26 imagine getting up at 4 AM every single day to sell the finest tuna fish while screaming like a madman, what a legend

I found your channel quite by accident while searching for Japanese culture videos. I've wanted to go to Japan for quite some time, but the apparent difficulty of learning the language (and my bank balance, frankly) has prevented me so far. Anyway, I've been really enjoying your videos, you're funny and informative and I'm really glad I've subscribed. Thank you. 😊

I love how entertaining and informative your videos are, I enjoy seeing all the amazing things and places japan has to offer. Thanks for your amazing work Chris

It's 4 am here in Japan as this video goes live. I imagine late night hours of doing RU-vidr stuff.

What!? You couldn't subtitle what the auctioneer was saying? Preposterous! All joking aside, excellent video Chris. I really enjoyed it and I'm kinda hungry now. I wouldn't put you through the hell of subtitling what an auctioneer was saying if they were speaking English, let alone when they're speaking Japanese.

Chris has gotten so much better at presenting, i would not be suprised if he got his own cable travel show one day!!!

Wow, so much respect for Ueno-san to take on his family business at such a young age! I hope I can visit one day!

"There is only one that thing rubs him the wrong way and it's easily" ... advertisement starts

"I was in my twenties at the time" I can just imagine Ryotaro trying to remember his 20's during the Battle of Hastings.

Definitely been looking forward to this one since hearing about it on the podcast. Your work keeps getting better sir and it's been awesome to watch you hone your craft to the professional level quality it is today. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next one! Take care and be well.

I love your videos man. They have this high-end tv documentary vibe to them without them being boring or repetitive. Please continue the good work I love it!

His name was Satoshi Ueno. And today, after many years, it still is.

14:25 He said it, he said the thing!

Loved his comments on the trees / forest near the shore. great vision. WQould love to visit the restaurants

beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Another amazing short documentary of yours. Thank you so much! Please keep them coming!!

"The lighting is so... Good." that touched me spiritually

When are you gonna make “What Owning a RU-vid Channel in Japan is Like” lol

Honestly I’ve enjoyed just about every aspect your channel has covered, but this one seems so natural. I’ve been catching tuna over 40 years it’s nice to see expert hands cut it raw for consumption.

I really enjoyed this video. So glad that you got around to making it.

Fresh wasabi is a COMPLETELY different thing than the stuff in the tubes. A bit hard to to get your hands on, but if you have the chance I definitely recommend you try it.

Ever since I heard about it on the podcast... I was really looking forward to it.... And this was worth the wait!!! Loving the podcast.... Mondays and Thursdays are something that I look forward to eagerly!!! You rock!!

Great job Chris. Best video yet. From the music to the b-roll, to the Editing. It was like it was professionaly done by a team of people. Keep up the great work.

This video was top-notch quality, loved it. That chef is a really engaging and charismatic fellow.

"Every piece of sushi has a story" Is this an announcement for Sushimonogatari?!

The chef was awesome, I loved hearing him talk about sushi with so much reverence.

This is such a beautiful video! You can feel the level of care towards every aspect of the operation through the screen. Thank you for sharing!

This video is so well made. I am going to visit Japan soon and binge watching your channel makes me so excited

Having a shit day. I see an ‘Abroad in Japan’ RU-vid notification and now it’s a good day.

No lie, my mouth was watering the whole time Master was making his Masterpiece. I love sushi, as much as i love the Japanese People. 😃

Just gonna binge all these vids since I feel down, Chris always makes me feel better with his videos.

Excellent video. There's far more information on here than any other sushi video I've seen before. The head chef explained everything so well too. The owner had a fantastic attitude towards his business and staff. I'd bet he is a brilliant employer.

I’ve been looking forward to this! Loving the podcast twice a week man keep it up

cant wait for the "what being a yakuza member in japan is like" video

One of the best and authentic episodes of Abroad in Japan - ever. Loved it 👌🏼

Such dedication for Sushi is just lovely and admirable. Great video, I loved it. Thanks for the hard work Chris

I love how Chris just wear a collar shirt and shorts at a fancy sushi restaurant. Never change, Chris!

I love how Chris will interview in both English and janpanse. It shows respect to the subject of his documentary and his own knowledge of the culture/dedication

I don't know how but i just had a really good day and felt really good all day and watching these videos was fun

Again another documentary masterpiece, thanks Chris!

Who is going to tell Chris he is basically a CEO of his own VERY successful RU-vid channel?

"Please use it wisely everyone" Everyone: Oh, you're approaching me? You know a place is legit when they have the real deal wasabi. A whole army of tuna at that market. Thank you for showing what it's like, I've wondered about this

Chris, I love you. Your videos and your story are both a piece of art. Congratulations on your success and for still keeping your vision while managing to deliver better and better content.

I could listen to the sushi chef talk for hours! His passion is so obvious and infectious

Thank you Abroad in Japan you helped me sooo much during quarantine love your vids keep it up 🙌🏻

I think this might be one of my fav videos. Yoshikawa and Ueno both really love what they do and you can tell just by the way they talk about it. It was so nice to see Yoshikawa talking about the process with such genuine enthusiasm.

宮城で漁業やってる家に生まれて、仙台でよく鮨正の前通ります(まだ行ったことはない…ww） 市場での映像や、お客さんの口に入るまでの職人さんの考えまで知られてよかった。 視点変えれば身近なこともこんなに濃密なんですね。 宮城から岩手にかけての沿岸はリアス式海岸と言われています。 上野さんが言うように、森と海のつながりが大切な地形で「森は海の恋人」なんて言葉もあります。

You're essentially the only person I watch on RU-vid now. Your content is just always phenomenal.

Just listened to a podcast in which you mentioned filming this, very cool.

There are a lot of sushi fish market and sushi restaurant overviews out there but this was different. Really enjoyed the 360 view of everything.

I've been slowly going through your library of videos. I have to comment that I really enjoyed this one. Thank you. Man! I could almost imagine the taste of that sushi.

Thanks Chris, not only for making such a great video but also interpreting well what the owner of the sushi restaurant wanted to say in English. Your personality in which you try to understand people well and explain well to viewers in your words in a good manner is always inspirational. When you asked about the difficulty of being a president at the young age, he said "I want to be friend (to his employees)" in English, which sounds like silly actually, but what he meant was "Building trust was difficult as being younger than other presidents)" I am Japanese who lives in an English speaking country and I am always frustrated when I can not explain my self well to people due to poor vocabulary in my second language, but a lot of people around me try to understand me and it is a huge relief, so I understand the owner's feelings.