Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Mr. Shiro Kashiba, Owner of Sushi Kashiba

     On July 2, 2024, a conferment ceremony and reception were held at the Official Residence to congratulate Mr. Shiro Kashiba, Owner of Sushi Kashiba, on his receipt of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. Mr. Kashiba’s family, friends, colleagues, and many others were in attendance.
 
     Consul General of Japan in Seattle IYORI Makoto expressed his appreciation for Mr. Kashiba’s many years of continued contributions and formally conferred the Order. Mr. Kashiba spoke about his career over the nearly 60 years since he came to Seattle, during which sushi has become loved by customers of all backgrounds. He expressed gratitude for the honor of receiving the Decoration and said that he will continue to make and promote Edomae sushi.

     Since moving to the United States in 1966, Mr. Kashiba has been a pioneer of Edomae (Edo-style) sushi in the northwest region of the United States. For nearly 60 years, he has been creating traditional Edomae sushi based on the basic Edomae spirit of eating locally caught seasonal ingredients. His activities have been featured in various media, and he has thus greatly contributed to the promotion of sushi and Japanese food in American society. In 2019, he was appointed as a "Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and in 2021, he was awarded the “Minister's Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food” by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.