The grand opening of ‘Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Hawaii,’ the inaugural overseas branch aimed at sharing Japan’s culinary heritage globally, embodying the concept of ‘From Ginza to the World’ was greeted with overwhelming excitement.
JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC had the privilege of supporting both the media/influencer preview event and the grand opening festivities.
The Inaugural overseas branch of the conveyor belt sushi format of ‘Ginza Onodera,’ operated by ONODERA Food Service Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Yuji Onodera, located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), opened on April 28, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Under the motto ‘From Ginza to the World,’ Ginza Onodera aims to spread traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi and tempura globally. Its journey has now expanded to 17 restaurants across 3 countries, with some locations even earning stars in the Michelin Guide, garnering international acclaim.
Hawaii was chosen as the location for the inaugural overseas branch of Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera, renowned for its authentic and meticuolously crafted Edomae sushi, due to its status as an unquestionable resort destination beloved by all, offering the perfect setting for a wider audience to indulge in this culinary delight.
Located on Honolulu’s bustling King Street, one of the most prominent and renowned as a vibrant culinary hotspot beloved by both locals and tourists. Just a short walk from Oahu’s primary transportation system, ‘The Bus’ stop and a quick 10-minute drive away from Waikiki, the restaurant offers convenient accessibility.
Inside the restaurant, guests are greeted by an intricately designed interior that captures the essence of Hawaii. Handmade ceilings reminiscent of Hawaii’s waves, modern lighting inspired by fishing lamps, and wall decorations evoking the deep blue of Hawaii’s ocean create an inviting atmosphere for our customers.
Prior to the grand opening day, there was a pre-event for Hawaii’s media and influencers. A total of 30 media representatives from 23 companies attended, including the renowned local TV stations like HAWAII NEWS NOW and KITV, newspapers like Star-Advertiser and Midweek, and Japanese media outlets such as Aloha Street, KAUKAU, and KZOO Radio.
The event was held twice with a total of 30 media representatives from 23 companies attended the event.
The event was held twice with a total of 30 media representatives from 23 companies attended the event.
At the pre-event, Mr. Akifumi Sakagami, the Global Executive Chef overseeing all kitchen operations of Sushi Ginza Onodera worldwide, flew from Japan for the grand opening and explained each sushi presented, including the tuna sourced directly from Tsukiji market, Japan as well as exclusive Hawaii restaurant menu during the tasting session.
Presenting Shimoda-caught Bluefin tuna
ONODERA original Kohada (gizzard shad)
The event was held twice with a total of 30 media representatives from 23 companies attended the event.
The event was held twice with a total of 30 media representatives from 23 companies attended the event.
At the pre-event, Mr. Akifumi Sakagami, the Global Executive Chef overseeing all kitchen operations of Sushi Ginza Onodera worldwide, flew from Japan for the grand opening and explained each sushi presented, including the tuna sourced directly from Tsukiji market, Japan as well as exclusive Hawaii restaurant menu during the tasting session.
Presenting Shimoda-caught Bluefin tuna
ONODERA original Kohada (gizzard shad)
On the day of the grand opening, we commenced with a christening ceremony prior to the opening. It featured a rendition of Hawaiian music by ukulele performer, blessings from a kahu, and untie the maile lei to signify the official opening of the restaurant, all part of a traditional Hawaiian rituals.
Untieing of the maile lei
Dedicating Aloha Hawaii for the opening
On the opening day, being the first day of operation, customers eagerly anticipating authentic Edomae sushi could be seen gathering in front of the store as early as two hours before opening.
Customers waiting for the doors to open
Open for business
Untieing of the maile lei
Dedicating Aloha Hawaii for the opening
On the opening day, being the first day of operation, customers eagerly anticipating authentic Edomae sushi could be seen gathering in front of the store as early as two hours before opening.
Customers waiting for the doors to open
Open for business
To commemorate the opening of the new restaurant, Mr. Akifumi Sakagami, the Executive Global Head Chef of ‘Sushi Ginza Onodera,’ appeared live on HI Now Daily, a highly acclaimed TV lifestyle show.
You can check out the broadcast from the link below
The opening were also featured in multiple local media outlets, ensuring a very successful launch.
Pacific Business News
Hawaii News Now
KITV
Pacific Business News
Hawaii News Now
KITV
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