In 1994 I had an idea. Believing that food is one of the most powerful languages in not only defining cultures but also in integrating them, I wanted to open a Japanese restaurant that would transcend the traditional way of presenting and thinking of food from my country. Furthermore I wanted to do this in a way that wouldn’t send my customers into debt. In 2009, I followed my conscience and switched to all sustainable seafood.
At Mashiko we are always trying to create new and interesting ways to interpret Japanese food and sushi. This is an all-inclusive process. You’ll never hear traditional Japanese music in Mashiko, because it reminds me of two things: grammar school and death. Believe me you, if you’ve ever been to an elementary school in Japan… death isn’t too bad. So we play new and interesting music that we hope will compliment the food.
I want you to try new things and ask questions. I want you to stuff your face. I want you to laugh and enjoy food and life. Please, shut up and eat!
–Hajime
Mashiko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
4725 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-4339
sushiwhore.com (a retired blog) 
If I didn’t live so far (Shelton) I’d always have sushi at Mashiko. We have a couple of pretty nice places around our area but none of them come close. If you make a Facebook page people can fan you, it would make vicarious sushi updates easier.
Hajime,
We had dinner at Mashiko last night and you cooked for us. We were from Monroe and I was celebrating my new job. Your cooking was divine.
I wanted to thank you for sharing my good fortune with me. It couldn’t have been more perfect. (of course it couldn’t be more perfect because perfect is perfect but if it COULD have been more perfect it couldn’t have been because it was already perfect.)
Thanks again,
dana and Diane
Dear Mashiko Team,
I’m usually not someone leaving a comment. Friends suggested your place and I tried it. Now back in Germany, two weeks back into work, I still haven’t forgotten, so I might as well thank you.
Although I was on my own, I had a great dinner. Beside the exellent and surprising food prepared by Hajime after just giving him a vague idea of what I might like, it is already a pleasure to see the team working together as it does.
Take care of yourself because I definitely want to come back again if I should ever be in the US again.
Irene