JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is the story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3 star Michelin review, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar. At the heart of this story is Jiro’s relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu, the worthy heir to Jiro’s legacy, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his father’s shadow.

The feature film debut of director David Gelb, JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is a thoughtful and elegant meditation on work, family, and the art of perfection, chronicling Jiro’s life as both an unparalleled success in the culinary world, and a loving yet complicated father.

Shot in a clean, sparse style, the film also abounds with lush, mouthwatering imagery of some of the most awe-inspiring sushi the world has ever seen.

I saw this movie preview and started dreaming of delicious sushi as well. Having grown up in Hawaii and the Japanese culture, I love sushi in all forms. And oddly enough Jiro’s last name is Ono, which means “delicious” in the Hawaiian language.

And if this movie does make you crave for sushi (and Japanese food), read my blog in Feb. 2010 in which I surveyed the many sushi restaurants in Tucson – “Sushi Galore” (click here)– but call ahead to make sure the restaurant info is current.
With over 30 sushi restaurants in Tucson, I haven’t been able to keep abreast of them all, nor have I been able to dine at them all.

Dream on!