Sam is a lifelong enthusiast of food of all descriptions, Sam nonetheless developed a special passion for Japanese cuisine. Thanks to an aunt with family ties to Japan, and similarly enthusiastic parents, he was introduced to a wide variety of dishes from a very early age. That passion was deepened when he took a job waiting tables at a sushi restaurant in Kirkland, Washington and again when he accepted a teaching position in Tokyo. There he was delighted to discover that he had truly only scratched the surface of this unique culture and cuisine. Doing his level best to eat his way through the country, he found plenty to enjoy during his year long tenure. Upon his return he put his experiences to use improving diners visits to Kiwami in whatever way possible. He has since transitioned out of the industry but retains his passion for eating as much Japanese food as is physically possible.