Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Always doing what you are told, doesn't mean you will succeed in life. - Jiro Ono

Image courtesy of http://jhfirefestival.org/

 

Just watched one of the incredible documentary about Jiro Ono, the world's greatest sushi chef. Who would have thought that this 85yo man, who was abandoned since he was 9yo, will turn out to be one of the best in his field. His passion for sushi and spirit of "kaizen" (continuous improvement), not only made him one of the most unique 3-star Michelin chef with only 10 seats in his restaurant but also convinced majority of the cinema goers to crave for sushi after that. I was one of the victim.

The title 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' is not merely words put together but literally Jiro does dream about sushi. When he receives inspirations through his dreams, he will wake up to make sure he doesn't lose it. He loves perfecting his sushi which many critics already thought his craft is perfection.

What I admire the most about him are the following:

Passion

No doubt he's passionate and in love with what he is doing. The only time he has his holiday will be when there is an emergency and national holidays. He would rather be in his restaurant than anywhere else in the world. I doubt he has any travel plans to see the world because the world of sushi is simply inexhaustible to him. That's when you know you love something so much that you don't need other type of distractions in life anymore, because you've already arrived.

Sense of Humour

Apparently he used to be quite a prankster at school. He still carries his sense of humour behind the serious facade he puts on while at work. You can see it appearing sometimes in the movie. Subtle, but it's there. Truly, a man who's still young at heart.

Rebel

He mentioned he was asked to give a talk in school. He was really perplexed on what advice he should give. He was a rebel. But he couldn't ask the kids to be a rebel and not to study, that may create chaos in the school. Look at his own path, even though he used to be one who doesn't pay attention in class, he has changed and become a successful man in his own field.

Truly a league of his own and I really wonder how do the min SGD500 sushis taste like. You can really be assured that whatever you will be eating on that plate have been thought through with 100% passion, dedication and sheer hard work accompanied with the finest and most suitable ingredients one can ever think of. Every single piece of the sushi is served à la minute.


When will he retire? He said, when his customers find him too hideous to be in the restaurant or if he goes senile. Truly a remarkable man who's still living among us. Catch the show if you have the chance. Watching it in big screen, will make you salivate more. You have been warned. :)

Even at my age, in my work... I haven't reached perfection.- Jiro Ono