Michelin-Starred Chef & Sushi Master: Endo Kazutoshi – Destiny, Discipline, & The Art of Omakase

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Endo Kazutoshi, one of the most revered third-generation sushi masters in the world, to explore a life shaped by inherited craft, quiet discipline, and an unwavering devotion to the guest. From a destiny that was never forced upon him yet always seemed inevitable, Endo reflects on what it means to carry a family tradition forward while finding his own voice within it, and how the loss of his father deepened his understanding of what this craft truly demands.

The conversation moves through the philosophy of omakase, the art of reading a guest before a single piece of fish is cut, and why the best sushi experience is one where less does infinitely more. Endo shares his approach to sourcing ingredients, the discipline required to build the right team around a shared vision, and how a deep knowledge of produce, technique, and human emotion combine to create something that transcends a meal. A rare and intimate look at mastery in its most refined form, and the lifetime of dedication it takes to make something look effortless.

Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(01:11) Career Path 🛤️💼

(01:50) Third-Generation Sushi Master 🍣👨‍🍳

(05:39) Destiny 🌟🔮

(06:42) Student & Master 📚🥋

(08:38) Father Passing 🕊️❤️

(12:13) Omakase 🍣🎌

(14:43) Definition of Omakase 📖🍽️

(17:56) Building The Right Team 👥🤝

(20:27) Common Goal & Vision 🎯🌟

(22:57) Evolution Of Sushi Making 🔄🍣

(26:40) Italian vs. Japanese Values 🇮🇹🇯🇵

(29:55) Storytelling Around Food 📖🍽️

(32:04) Core Pillars Of Sushi 🏛️🍣

(33:48) Wasabi 🌿🔥

(36:43) Dining Emotions 😌❤️

(38:22) London 🇬🇧🌆

(39:21) Why I Source Locally 🌱🏡

(41:38) Aging Technique ⏳🔬

(43:30) Handling Fish 🐟🤲

(44:17) Personal Drive 💪🔥

(45:39) Apprentices 👨‍🎓🍣

(47:52) Rapid-Fire Sushi Etiquette ⚡🍣

(51:00) Uni 🦔🍣

(52:05) The Perfect Omakase Guest 😊🎌

(54:45) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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