Nigiri sushi chef (restaurant)
にぎりずししょくにん（いんしょくてん）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Food Preparation Occupations
- Minor : Japanese Cuisine Chefs
Summary
A specialist who handles everything from preparing sushi toppings to forming the rice and gripping the sushi, providing it to customers. Requires advanced skills such as judging fish and knife handling.
Description
Nigiri sushi chefs manage the preparation and preprocessing of seasonal seafood, rice blending and adjustment, rice cooking, etc., and create consistent nigiri sushi using skilled knife handling and hand techniques. They differentiate cutting methods and salt/vinegar ratios according to fish type, and serve with beautiful plating. They are also responsible for coordinating with suppliers, inventory management, hygiene management, and proposing course compositions and omakase progress through customer service.
Future Outlook
Demand for high-end sushi restaurants continues due to the international popularity of Japanese food and increasing inbound tourists, but labor shortages and successor shortages are challenges. Succession of artisan skills, overseas expansion, and adaptation to new service models are required.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Full-time employee / Independent opening / Part-time / Shift / Store work
Career Path
見習い（下積み） → 中堅職人 → 料理長・店長 → 独立して寿司屋開業
Required Skills
Fresh fish judging / Hygiene management / Knife operation / Preparation / Rice adjustment
Recommended Skills
Communication skills (foreign language service) / Menu development / Procurement inventory management / Proposal material creation
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because meticulous attention to quality and appearance for each piece is necessary. |
| Communication Skills | Because smooth communication with customers and the team is required. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because prolonged standing work and manual labor require physical endurance. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because maintaining concentration during busy periods and enduring pressure is necessary. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because collaboration in the kitchen is essential for providing sushi without mistakes. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because high mathematical analytical skills are not particularly needed. |
Related Qualifications
- Cooking license
- Food hygiene manager
Aliases
- Sushi chef
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