Ginza Natsuno Chopsticks Case Study: Sushi Bar Maumi

Introducting Sushi Bar Maumi

More than 8,000 kilometers from his homeland, Mr. Maumi Ozaki has spent over three decades perfecting the art of authentic sushi in Vancouver, Canada. In 2014, he opened [Sushi Bar Maumi](https://www.sushibarmaumi.ca/), a restaurant dedicated to serving exquisite sushi crafted with only the finest ingredients.

Beyond sourcing top-tier produce, Mr. Ozaki is equally discerning when it comes to the tools he uses, offering a distinctive dining experience that includes sake flights thoughtfully paired with each dish.

We consider it a true privilege to have Mr. Ozaki as a valued customer of our chopsticks. In this interview, we delve deeper into his journey and the philosophy behind his restaurant.

Ginza Natsuno: Thank you so much for taking the time to correspond with us despite the 13-hour time difference between Japan and Canada. We truly appreciate it.

Mr. Ozaki: Thank you very much for the opportunity.

Ginza Natsuno: We haven't had the chance to visit your restaurant in person yet, but could you tell us when your restaurant first opened?

Mr. Ozaki: We opened on May 16, 2014, so this year marks the 11th anniversary of the restaurant.

Ginza Natsuno: What made you decide to open a sushi restaurant in Vancouver? Could you briefly share your story with us?

Mr. Ozaki: I immigrated to Canada in my twenties and began working as a sushi chef. After accumulating a wealth of experience, I decided to open my own restaurant 10 years ago.

Ginza Natsuno Chopsticks at Sushi Bar Maumi

Ginza Natsuno: That's fascinating! When did you start using Ginza Natsuno chopsticks at your restaurant?

Mr. Ozaki: We began offering them to our customers about two years ago.

Ginza Natsuno: Thank you! Actually, there’s an interesting story behind these chopsticks. At the time, we were looking for stylish chopsticks with fine tips, but they were hard to find. After speaking with the chopstick workshop, we decided to create our own original design, which eventually became a product.

Mr. Ozaki: I see! I had been searching for chopsticks with fine tips that were also dishwasher safe, so I was thrilled when I found these. 

Ginza Natsuno: As someone from a chopstick company, I’m curious—how often do your customers use chopsticks when eating sushi? What’s the typical ratio? 

Mr. Ozaki: About 70% of our customers use chopsticks. Those who are more accustomed to sushi often eat with their hands. We also notice that many of our Asian customers prefer using chopsticks. 

Ginza Natsuno: I’m surprised to hear that many of your customers use chopsticks! That’s interesting. Are there any noticeable differences between Canadian and Japanese customers in terms of their dining habits? 

Mr. Ozaki: One difference I've noticed is in how customers place their chopsticks. Many will set them vertically with the chopstick rest, which is quite different from how we do it in Japan.

There are many surprises due to different customs, but I always feel happy when customers who understand Japanese food culture come to enjoy their meal.

We strive daily to provide delicious sushi while also working to convey Japanese food culture through our communication with customers.

Ginza Natsuno: That's an interesting point. It's true—when it comes to chopsticks, there are various cultural differences that make things even more fascinating. Are there any other aspects of Japanese tableware that have caught your attention? 

Mr. Ozaki: Japan has so many beautiful chopsticks, dishes, and sake cups, so I'd love to continue introducing more of these to our customers.

Ginza Natsuno: If there's anything we can assist you with, don't hesitate to reach out anytime, no matter the time difference! By the way, I'm curious—what exactly is the "sake flight" you offer? 

Mr. Ozaki: The sake flight is designed for customers unfamiliar with Japanese sake. It gives them the opportunity to discover the flavors and nuances of different types of sake. It's a bit like a tasting experience, where they can enjoy small amounts of several different varieties and find new tastes they like. 

Ginza Natsuno: That sounds like a great way to introduce people to Japanese sake! It’s a perfect experience for those who want to learn more. Do local customers ever ask you about the chopsticks you use? 

Mr. Ozaki: People often ask where we got such beautiful chopsticks. They’ll ask, "Are they from Japan?" Some customers even come to our restaurant after hearing about these chopsticks from you.

Ginza Natsuno: Thank you for the kind words! We are honored to be part of your sushi dining experience. By the way, we also offer international shipping, so feel free to take advantage of that if needed!

Visit Sushi Bar Maumi

For over 30 years, Mr. Maumi Ozaki has been serving authentic sushi in Canada, 8,000 kilometers from Japan. The carefully chosen ingredients and curated sake flight make Sushi Bar Maumi, run by him and his wife, a must-visit for anyone in Vancouver.

Editor's Note

We are truly grateful that our chopsticks are being used in Canada, so far from home. It brings us great pride to support the beautiful ingredients and atmosphere at Sushi Bar Maumi, and we are excited to be part of such a wonderful dining experience.

Minemura
International Ecommerce Manager, Ginza Natsuno