Today we’d like to introduce you to Genji Sato
Hi Genji, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My dad worked in a fish market in Tokyo, so I grew up surrounded by fish. But my journey didn’t begin there. If you’re in a small town or the countryside, you often dream of moving to Tokyo or another big city for better opportunities. Ironically, I was in the heart of downtown Tokyo, yet I felt I had no future there, which is why I moved to California.
When I arrived, I started washing dishes and learning how to make sushi. At 19, with no formal education, this was the best way for me to earn money. Honestly, I had no passion for being a chef at that time; it was purely about survival.
More than ten years later, after marrying, I returned to Japan for the first time since my move. My wife took me to a Japanese fruit restaurant in Tokyo, where I had an extraordinary mango. That moment changed my life. I felt immense joy that day, and it made me realize how one dish can have a profound impact on someone’s life. I wanted to be that source of joy for others.
When I returned to California, I changed jobs to further develop my skills as a chef, driven by the desire to make people happy through food. Now, I work passionately every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I consider myself fortunate to be where I am, but I’ve faced significant challenges at every turn. I believe that once you overcome an obstacle, it’s not worth dwelling on because new challenges are always ahead. I know this might not be the answer you’re looking for, but I think it’s better to reflect on past memories later; they often become richer with time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
101 N Brand Blvd UNIT 220, Glendale, CA 91203
Lunch Mon-Sat 12-2pm. Sun 12-3pm
Dinner Mon-Sat 5-9pm. Sun 5-8:30pm
☎️(818)696-1124
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
It’s a long list. The fact that someone like me—without any special talents or skills—has made it this far is truly thanks to the support of many people.
If I had to name a couple of key figures, it would be my wife and son. My wife provided the opportunity that became a turning point in my life, and she has been an incredible source of support ever since. I wake up at 4:30 AM to go to the fish market and come home at 11 PM after work. I love being a chef, but I couldn’t do it without her help.
We don’t get to spend much time together, and I know my son wishes we could. He never complains, though, and I try to show him my passion and joy for my work. It’s not just a job for me; it’s something I truly want to do, just like my dad did for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasabuneglendale/
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/sushi-sasabune-glendale?utm_source=ishare
- Other: https://opentable.com/r/sushi-sasabune-glendale
