Born in Tochigi, Japan, Masa is the second son in a family of five children.  His parents owned a fish shop and a catering business. He grew up cooking and learning the trade since he was a child. After he graduated from high school, he moved to Tokyo, where he worked at the legendary Ginza Sushi-ko. He began working as a dishwasher to eventually gaining his status of a sushi chef.

In 1980, Masa moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in a number of sushi restaurants before opening his own. With the permission from his former boss in Japan, he adopted the name Ginza Sushi-ko for his new restaurant. Hence, the overseas sushi temple was born.

Almost twenty years after earning his fame in Los Angeles, Masa is ready for a new challenge. He sold Ginza Sushi-ko to his sous-chef and moved to New York to open the eponymous Masa and Bar Masa at the Time Warner Center in February 2004.  Masa has demonstrated himself not only as a chef but also as an artist.  His reputation has been reinforced by numerous recognitions, including
Mobil 5-star award, New York Times 4-star review, and Michelin 3-star award.

Masa & Bar Masa
10 Columbus Cir
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9800
www.masanyc.com