Mitsuru Sushi & Grill: 49 Years of Serving Little Tokyo

Mitsuru Sushi Grill: 49 Years of Serving Little Tokyo

For nearly half a century, Mitsuru Sushi Grill has been a cornerstone of Little Tokyo, serving up traditional Japanese cuisine and a sense of community to generations of diners.This year, the restaurant celebrates it’s 49th anniversary, a testament to its enduring quality and the dedication of its owners, Mitsuru and Keiko Nakano.

Located on 3rd Street, Mitsuru Sushi Grill is a familiar sight, often adorned with posters advertising local events in its front window. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time,with its classic wood décor and the comforting aroma of simmering broth and fresh seafood.

“We wanted to create a place where people could come and feel at home,” says mitsuru Nakano, who, along with his wife Keiko, opened the restaurant in 1975. “We focused on using the freshest ingredients and preparing everything with care.”

The menu features a wide array of sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes, from udon and soba noodles to teriyaki and tempura. But it’s the sushi that truly shines, crafted with precision and artistry. The restaurant is especially known for its omakase, a chef’s choice selection that showcases the best of the day’s offerings.

Over the years, Mitsuru sushi Grill has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for the community.regulars include families, local business owners, and visitors from around the world. The Nakano’s have always been active in supporting local events and organizations,further cementing thier role as community pillars.

“We’ve seen families grow up coming here,” Keiko Nakano shares. “It’s very rewarding to be a part of their lives.”

The restaurant has weathered many changes in Little Tokyo, but its commitment to quality and community has remained constant. As Mitsuru Sushi Grill approaches its 50th anniversary,the Nakano’s express gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years.

“We couldn’t have done it without our customers,” Mitsuru Nakano says. “We hope to continue serving Little Tokyo for many years to come.”

Mitsuru Sushi Grill: 49 Years of Serving Little Tokyo

For nearly half a century, Mitsuru Sushi Grill has been a cornerstone of Little Tokyo, serving traditional Japanese cuisine with a dedication to quality and community. Founded in 1974 by Mitsuru and Kazuko Nakano, the restaurant has weathered economic shifts, changing tastes, and even a global pandemic, remaining a beloved fixture for locals and visitors alike.

“We always wanted to create a place where people could come and feel like they were eating at home,” says current owner, David Nakano, son of the founders. “My parents instilled in me the importance of using fresh ingredients and treating every customer like family.”

That commitment is evident in mitsuru’s menu, which features classic sushi rolls, sashimi, and grilled dishes prepared with time-honored techniques. While the restaurant has adapted over the years, adding popular items to cater to evolving palates, it remains true to its roots.

The restaurant’s location in the heart of Little Tokyo has always been a benefit, particularly during large events. The nearby Convention Centre hosts Anime Expo, which attracts over 400,000 enthusiasts over four days in early July. Many of these attendees visit Little Tokyo and businesses like Anime Jungle, a short walk from Mitsuru’s location.Like many businesses, Mitsuru Sushi Grill faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to close its dining room, the restaurant quickly pivoted to takeout and delivery, offering bento boxes and family meals to keep its customers fed and its staff employed. ( See image above of Mitsuru Grill pandemic bento boxes).

“It was a scary time,” admits Nakano. “But the community really rallied around us. We were so grateful for the support.”

Today, Mitsuru Sushi Grill is thriving once again, welcoming back diners to its cozy interior. As it celebrates its 49th anniversary, the restaurant looks forward to many more years of serving Little Tokyo and upholding the legacy of its founders. “We’re not just a restaurant,” says Nakano. “We’re a part of this community,and we’re proud to be.”

A Little Tokyo Landmark Says Goodbye: Mitsuru Grill Closes after 49 Years

After nearly five decades of serving the Little Tokyo community, Mitsuru Grill will close its doors on August 28th. Owners Mamoru and Dora Hanamure expressed both bittersweet feelings about retirement and gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years.

In a heartfelt message, the hanamures thanked their customers – their “extended family” – for 49 years of shared memories, trust, and kindness.they reminisced about the restaurant as a place of “comfort, peace, and harmony,” filled with the warmth of friends, family, and generations past. They extended special thanks to their landlord, the Uyeda family, and the various Little Tokyo organizations that have supported them.mamoru Hanamure reflected on the evolution of Little Tokyo, noting how the neighborhood’s demographics have shifted over time so that eventually most of his staff was not Japanese. He expressed a positive outlook on these changes, praising the present diversity and acknowledging that “Little Tokyo might not be the most accurate name” but enjoying the blend of cultures that now frequent his restaurant. He voiced excitement for the future, particularly for plans Yamamoto has to transform the space into a hub for Japanese subculture, hoping it will continue to benefit the community.

Longtime acquaintance and community member recalls Hanamure as a trailblazer, first opening a toy store on First Street with a memorable display featuring an Ultraman figure and a playful water feature. He later expanded into the food industry, introducing innovations like a 24-hour noodle machine and a visible sushi counter. Mitsuru Grill also served as a central point for the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association, storing their equipment and becoming a vital part of the community during challenging times.

The Hanamures’ legacy extends beyond their culinary contributions; they leave behind a cherished space and a wealth of memories that will be treasured by all who have walked through their doors. They encourage continued support for Little Tokyo businesses and offer a final blessing: “God bless you all.”

Nikkei Community Resilience roundtable Hosts Prosperous Gathering at Mitsuru Grill

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles – The Nikkei Community Resilience Roundtable (NCRR) recently convened a productive meeting at the historic Mitsuru Grill in little Tokyo, bringing together community leaders and stakeholders to discuss ongoing efforts to support and uplift the Japanese American and broader Nikkei community.

The roundtable, a collaborative initiative focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by the community, utilized the intimate setting of Mitsuru Grill to foster open dialogue and strategic planning.Discussions centered around key areas including economic recovery, mental health resources, and preserving cultural heritage.

“Mitsuru Grill provided the perfect backdrop for this crucial conversation,” said a representative from NCRR. “Its long-standing presence in Little Tokyo symbolizes the resilience and enduring spirit of our community, and served as a reminder of what we are working to protect.”

Attendees included representatives from various community organizations, local businesses, and advocacy groups. The meeting highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and resource sharing to effectively address the evolving needs of the Nikkei community.

NCRR plans to build on the momentum generated at the Mitsuru Grill gathering with future initiatives and programs designed to strengthen community bonds and promote long-term resilience. Further information about NCRR and its initiatives can be found on their website [website address would go here].– The Toyo Miyatake Family