Why I Started Sushi Dou

Hi, I'm Shota Kawata, a professional sushi chef based in New York and the founder of Sushi Dou.

People often ask me why I started Sushi Dou. To answer that question, I have to go back to when I first moved to New York.

I came here to build my career as a sushi chef. After learning the foundations of traditional Japanese sushi in Japan, I moved to New York and began working in omakase restaurants while also providing private sushi experiences for guests from around the world.

A few years later, I had the opportunity to teach my first sushi-making class. What I thought would be a one-time experience quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my work. After teaching more than 1,000 guests, I realized that people weren't just interested in learning how to make sushi—they wanted to understand the culture, craftsmanship, and philosophy behind it.

That realization changed the way I think about sushi.

New York has embraced sushi in an incredible way, and I genuinely love seeing Japanese food enjoyed by so many people. At the same time, I realized that while sushi has become more familiar than ever, relatively few people have the opportunity to experience the craftsmanship behind traditional Japanese sushi.

That made me ask myself a simple question:

What if there were a place where people could do more than simply eat sushi?
What if they could truly experience it?

Sushi Is More Than Fish

One thing I always tell my guests is that great sushi isn't defined by the fish alone.

What makes a piece truly memorable is how every element comes together—the way the fish is sliced, the texture and temperature of the rice, how the rice is seasoned, and even whether a particular piece is best enjoyed with soy sauce, sea salt, or yuzu kosho. Even a small amount of wasabi can completely change the balance of a piece.

When I explain these details during class, I often hear guests say,

"I had no idea sushi was this thoughtful."

Those moments are my favorite.

They remind me that people aren't simply looking for a fun activity. They're genuinely curious about the craftsmanship and the story behind Japanese sushi, and they want to understand why every detail matters.

Building Sushi Dou

I often talked about these ideas with Tetsu, the head chef at Sushi Beauu inside the Empire State Building, where I work.

We shared the same vision.

We wanted to create a place where people could experience authentic Japanese sushi in a much more interactive way—not just by eating it, but by making it themselves, asking questions, understanding the techniques, and discovering the craftsmanship behind every piece.

That idea eventually became Sushi Dou.

People sometimes ask what "Dou" means.

In Japanese, "Dō (道)" means "the way" or "the path." It's a word used in many traditional Japanese arts, such as Sadō (the Way of Tea), Kadō (the Way of Flowers), and Shodō (the Way of Calligraphy). It represents more than simply learning a skill—it reflects a lifelong journey of learning, discipline, and continuous improvement.

We believe sushi is no different.

The name Sushi Dou reflects our hope that every guest not only learns how to make sushi, but also gains a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, culture, and spirit behind it.

More Than a Sushi Class

Sushi Dou is much more than a cooking class.

It's an opportunity to experience Japanese craftsmanship through sushi.

During our workshops, guests learn how to prepare sushi rice, shape nigiri, make sushi rolls, and understand why every ingredient and every technique matters. Whether it's your first time making sushi or you've loved sushi for years, my hope is that you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for Japanese food and culture.

What Our Guests Tell Us

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is hearing what guests say after the workshop.

Some tell me,

"I had no idea sushi involved so much attention to detail."

Others say,

"Now I want to visit Japan and experience its sushi culture."

Or simply,

"I want to learn more about sushi."

Every time I hear comments like these, I'm reminded why I started Sushi Dou.

I Hope to See You Soon

To me, sushi has always been about bringing people together.

Whether you're visiting New York, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, planning a date, or simply curious about Japanese culture, I'd love to welcome you to one of our workshops.

My hope is simple.

I hope you'll leave not only knowing how to make sushi, but with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, care, and tradition behind every piece.

And perhaps, this workshop will be the beginning of your own Sushi Dou.

I look forward to welcoming you.

— Shota Kawata