Little Tokyo Taste Testing Event

A taste testing event was sponsored by the Little Tokyo Businessmen’s Association, Los Angeles, to introduce traditional Japanese culinary arts and Alaska’s new Magister Squid to community restaurant owners and leaders. The presentation was conducted by Master Sushi Chef, Jun Okada, from prestigious Kami Kato restaurant in Tokyo.  Assisting him were chefs of Katsu-ya, a well-known high-end sushi restaurant chain with its executive chef, Mr. Shinji Kugita, in attendance.  Mr. Kugita is currently the president of the Japanese Restaurant Association with offices in Tokyo. Also in attendance were the president of the Japan Association for the Advancement of Japanese culinary arts in foreign countries, Japan’s Deputy Consulate General of Los Angeles, Regional Director (retired) US Dept. of Justice, VP Union Bank of California, COO of Ralfu Shimpo (Japanese Newspaper), and other dignitaries. Chef Jun prepared several dishes in sashimi, sushi, soup, and tempura styles. All presentations were judged as excellent and commented on how flavorful this squid was. They were excited about seeing this new product from Alaska come to market in the United States.