Sushiryori Ichitaka

In the world of sushi, few families can boast a legacy like that of Isshin Sushi in Miyazaki, Kyushu. The previous head chef had four sons, and all of them became sushi chefs in their own right. Each now runs a beloved restaurant representing the best of Kyushu sushi.
The eldest, Kazuhiro Kimiya, is the chef-owner of Sushi Ryori Ichitaka in Fukuoka. The restaurant’s name, “Ichitaka,” is taken from his father’s given name, a reflection of deep respect for the man who started it all.

Kimiya began training under his father at age 21 and officially took over the family restaurant at 33. But at 39, he made a bold decision to leave Japan and challenge himself abroad. Time spent in Australia and Singapore gave birth to the creative sushi style that now defines Ichiko.

His cooking knows no boundaries. Expect playful and surprising dishes like fried spring rolls stuffed with suppon (softshell turtle), matsutake mushrooms, and shark fin, or live anago-shako (mottled mantis shrimp) soaked in Shaoxing wine.
The star of the show, however, is the Shari (sushi rice). It’s cooked with dashi made from tomatoes and seasonal vegetables to bring out deep umami, then blended with vinegar to create a layered, distinctive flavor. In an era dominated by punchy red vinegar rice, Ichiko’s shari boldly goes its own way.

To complement the unique rice, the maguro (tuna) is served in a three-part progression. The first piece, akami (lean), is marinated. The second, chutoro (medium-fatty), is served as is. The third, otoro (fatty belly), comes topped with mountain wasabi.
It’s a completely different approach from what you’d find in the traditional sushi shops of Tokyo, a reflection of the freedom that defines regional sushi.

Many of the new sushi spots in Fukuoka are led by young chefs trained in Tokyo’s top shops, faithfully replicating the precision and style of Ginza. The quality is undoubtedly high, but something gets lost along the way—the sense of regional charm and culinary adventure.

That’s exactly why we recommend Sushi Ryori Ichiko. If you truly love sushi and you’re going out of your way to visit Fukuoka, don’t settle for a carbon copy of Tokyo.
Instead, treat yourself to something bold, expressive, and rooted in local culture. Kimiya’s creative vision is what makes a sushi journey genuinely unforgettable.