Our Story

          Our story at Shijiri Sushi Bar begins with our three incredible children: Hashi, Heiji, and Heyri.  The name "Shijiri" itself holds no traditional Japanese meaning, but for us, it's the most meaningful word in the world, crafted right from their names. They are truly our inspiration, our joy, and the very reason we are here. Before we ever decided to open, we spent years visiting restaurants that left us looking for more authenticity, more care, more soul. So many places promised excellence, but delivered something far less. High prices, low quality, and food that felt rushed, disconnected from the spirit of true Japanese cuisine. We knew in our hearts—we could do better.

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          Last year, we took a leap of faith and left our home in Thailand to plant new roots in Cary, North Carolina. It wasn’t easy, but our children’s love for sushi remained constant. As parents, their well-being is our top priority. We wouldn’t serve it to our children, so we wouldn’t serve it to yours. That’s why we established Shijiri Sushi Bar, dedicated to serving safe, wholesome, and high-quality food that we’re proud to share with our families.

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         Our confidence to open the restaurant grew stronger the day we met Chef John—a master of Japanese cuisine with over 30 years of experience. Trained in Japan, he brought with him not only skill, but a reference for the tradition and beauty of Japanese cuisine. This is why every single tray, plate, and utensil in our restaurant is meticulously sourced directly from Japan—because these details matter. Because tradition matters. Because sharing a meal should never be just about filling the stomach, but also about feeding the soul. Shijiri Sushi Bar is more than just a place to eat. It is an extension of our home. It is a love letter to our children. It is a promise—to serve with care, to cook with integrity, and to welcome every guest like family. We hope you enjoy what we created.

 

The Shijiri Family –