MASA'S STORY

Masatoshi Tsujimura was born in Shimonoseki, Japan, a major fishing village in western Japan and home of the famous fugu, (blowfish or pufferfish.) Chef Masa started his sushi career in America in 1982 in central and southern Florida.

Masa came to North Carolina in 1984 to open the sushi bar at Kanki Japanese House of Steaks in Raleigh. As the chef at one of the first sushi bars in North Carolina, Chef Masa introduced sushi to many first time customers and developed a loyal following of sushi lovers.

In 1997 he left Kanki to open his own restaurant, Waraji Japanese Restaurant. Consistently ranked as one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants and sushi bars in the region, Chef Masa is passionate about representing the highest quality of authentic Japanese cuisine to his customers and community.

In addition to its wide array of sushi and kitchen items, Waraji has the most extensive specialty sake selection in the state. Sakes from every region of Japan are represented along with a variety of Japanese micro-brewery beers.

Chef Masa is also actively involved with the North Carolina Japan Club and its activities to educate and to promote Japanese culture.