Bringing the Rich Bounty of Niigata to Singapore: A 70-Year Legacy of Timeless Tradition－Koizumi Yukihiro（Tomi Sushi, General Manager）

A Bridge Across the Skies Since 1958

Q：What was the greatest challenge or turning point that your organization faced while walking alongside Singapore’s development?

Our story in Singapore began in 2010, but our resolve was tested almost immediately. In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, bringing severe import restrictions that disrupted our entire supply chain. To keep our doors open, we had to adapt overnight, implementing emergency measures to temporarily source alternative, high-quality ingredients from countries like South Korea and Australia. Even after the initial supply crisis subsided, we faced a prolonged, uphill battle against reputational damage and misconceptions regarding Japanese imports. Looking back, overcoming this intense period became a defining turning point for us, reinforcing our dedication to our guests and deepening our operational resilience.

Core Strengths

Q：What core values and philosophies have been passed down through the generations as part of your organization’s unchanging “DNA”?

Our core operational strategy is built upon the philosophical concept of Fueki Ryuko “不易流行”—the seamless balance between constancy and change. As a historic sushi brand born in Niigata Prefecture with over 70 years of heritage, we fiercely safeguard the timeless, unchangeable foundations of traditional sushi craftsmanship. Yet, we believe true longevity requires flexibility. We actively observe local preferences and gracefully weave those insights into our menu creations to delight our Singaporean clientele. We remain deeply committed to sharing the magnificent bounty of Niigata’s mountains and seas, curating dining experiences where our guests can taste and feel the passing of Japan’s beautiful four seasons right here in the heart of the tropics.

The Road Ahead

Q： What kind of footprint or legacy do you aim to leave over the next 10 to 20 years?

Over the past 16 years, we have carefully protected our culinary values in Singapore, and our mission now is to polish that legacy to an even brighter shine. We aspire to firmly establish Tomi Sushi as the ultimate, top-of-mind choice for local diners—so that whenever anyone thinks of authentic Japanese cuisine, our name is the first they speak. While we hold our history close, we refuse to be constrained by past successes or old habits. We are eager to welcome fresh opportunities that elevate our brand value and deepen our connection with the community. Ten or twenty years down the road, our promise is to remain a reassuring haven, serving the exact same authentic flavors and comforting atmosphere our guests have always loved.

What I Love About Singapore!

Q：What elements of Singapore’s culture or urban lifestyle do you find truly wonderful and inspiring?

I am profoundly moved by Singapore’s unique social fabric, where an incredible diversity of cultures, languages, and ethnicities effortlessly intertwine and thrive together in harmony. The cityscape itself is equally inspiring; it is not just a collection of sleek, ultra-modern architecture, but a masterclass in urban planning where nature is beautifully integrated into daily life. For me, being able to walk through such a dynamic city and still look up to enjoy wide, unobstructed views of the open sky is a truly wonderful aspect of living here.

---

Interviewee Profile

---

■ Tomi Sushi

◉Japanese sushi restaurant chain Tomi Sushi Novena Outlet 🏢Address：238 Thomson Road, #02-76/77 Novena Square, Singapore 307683 📞Phone：6255 2355 🕚 Opening Hours：11:30-14:30 / 17:30-21:30 📅Closed Days：None (Tommy’s Sake Bar is closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.) 🌐Website 📱Instagram 📱Facebook

　

Back to
SJ60 Interviews

　

---

シンガポールのビジネス情報や最新記事、セミナー情報をLINE・YouTubeでお届けしています！
ぜひお友だち追加・チャンネル登録をお願い致します。