Looking Back Before We Look Ahead

By Amie Watanabe · Sushi Strategist
July 8, 2026 · 2 min read

When we started Sushi Artisan back in 2017, we had no business plan.
No roadmap.
No grand vision.
We just loved sushi and thought it would be fun to create something together.
What started as a creative outlet quickly became something much bigger than either of us expected.
Then came 2020.
Like many people, we suddenly found ourselves with a little more time at home. We decided to pour that time into learning, experimenting, filming, editing, and sharing. Every reel taught us something new. Every comment reminded us there were people around the world who shared the same appreciation for craftsmanship, technique, and the simple joy of making beautiful food.

We were genuinely humbled by the response.
That little project between a brother and sister grew into a community of more than 100,000 people.
It still feels surreal.
Then life changed.
There is a much longer story there, and one we'll share another day, but Sushi Artisan quietly took a three-year pause. During that time, life brought new priorities, new opportunities, and plenty of growth behind the scenes.
Yet somehow, Sushi Artisan never really left us.
The ideas kept coming.
The notebook kept filling.
The conversations never stopped.
We knew that if we came back, we wanted to do it differently.
Not just chasing views.
Not just posting recipes.
We wanted to build something with more purpose.
A place that celebrates craftsmanship, curiosity, and the people behind the food. A place where beginners feel welcome, experienced chefs continue learning, and everyone can deepen their appreciation for the art of sushi.
So here we are.
If you've been with us since those early Instagram days, thank you.
Your encouragement is one of the reasons we're here today.
And if you're just discovering Sushi Artisan, welcome.
We're so glad you found us.
This next chapter is bigger than an Instagram account. We'll be sharing techniques, stories, recommendations, behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, resources, and hopefully helping you become a little more confident every time you step behind the sushi bar or into your kitchen.
We're just getting started.
Thank you for being here.
We're excited to build this next chapter together.

Amie Watanabe
Sushi Strategist
Co-founder of Sushi Artisan, shaping the brand's strategy, storytelling, and growing community.