Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend this years “Seven Sushi Samurai” event either. I will probably be playing mum right around then, and I guess just a couple of weeks is a bit too early to be introducing the little rascal to sushi… If it was only up to me…

But the rest of you should go! And getting tickets are suppose to be hard to get if you wait - last years event was totally sold out. The seven sushi chefs are annually selected from countries around the globe to represent the very pinnacle of sushi talent around the world in Eat-Japan’s Sushi Awards.

The sushi samurai gather for one night only, and must prepare enough pieces of their original sushi dish to serve to the audience and guest judge panel, in order to stand the chance of being honoured with the apex of sushi achievement, the Sushi of the Year Award. With samurai-like pride in their craft and a great taste for success, the Seven Sushi Samurai are pushed to greater and greater levels of achievement each year, and Eat Japan are expecting this year to be the best yet in terms of creativity, flair, and jaw-dropping skill…

The event will take place on Monday 6 October 2008 at The Great Hall, London House, Mecklenburgh Square in London. The ticket price is a bit steep, £90, but I am sure it is worth it!

This year’s line-up is:

Takayuki Nakamura

From: Hokkaido, Japan
Representing: Otaru Masazushi

Having dedicated almost his entire life to sushi making in Japan’s seafood mecca, Hokkaido, this as yet undiscovered chef has honed his skills to the highest level.

Bryan S. Emperor

From: Virginia, USA
Representing: TEN

This flamboyant Wall Street banker recreated himself as a high-flying Japanese chef, winning the US Sushi Championship and wowing America with his unique culinary style.

Mitsunori Kusakabe

From: California, USA
Representing: Sushi Ran

A largely self-trained sushi genius who holds the 6th American Sushi Skills trophy and has carried his skills around the globe before bringing them to his Michelin-starred restaurant.

Denis Yun

From: Moscow, Russia
Representing: Yakitoriya

Despite his youth, this talented chef at one of Russia’s biggest names in sushi restaurants is two times winner of the prestigious Sushi Skills Contest at the Moscow Food Show.

Pontus Johansson

From: Malmö, Sweden
Representing: Sushibaren

This inventive and talented young sushi chef joins us after being selected as sole winner of the Nordic Sushi Championships from sushi bars across Scandinavia. Wait! There has been a Nordic Sushi Championship!? Hmpf. Need to pay better attention. Or get invited!

Two UK chefs

The two last contestants will be two top UK Chefs from the nation’s best Japanese restaurants! They have not yet been selected I think.

May the best man (hmpf!) win!

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