Renowned Japanese artist and the main spokesperson for kawaii culture, Sebastian Masuda, recently opened Sushidelic, his first restaurant in the US. The restaurant, located at 177 Lafayette Street in Manhattan, offers an immersive kawaii experience and aims to redefine the traditional sushi dining experience with a whimsical and colorful perspective.
Sushidelic officially opened on June 28, 2023, and will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, staying closed on Sundays and Mondays. The colorful and artistic eatery will be providing an extraordinary kawaii dining experience to its guests.
Masuda (pictured below with Yuka Amano of Asobisystem), known for his psychedelic and vibrant style in interior design and food concepts, designed Sushidelic to be a visually captivating space. The restaurant features a unique conveyor belt, hanging “lipstick” lights, and three large rotating cat heads named Tipsy, Cutie, and Sexy. These elements contribute to the overall kawaii aesthetic that Masuda is famous for.
The menu at Sushidelic is a collaboration between several US and Japanese chefs. It offers a variety of sushi dishes, Japanese cuisine favorites, and vegetarian options. The aim is to cater to different preferences and dietary needs while delivering a delightful culinary experience. The restaurant also offers a selection of sake, Japanese-inspired cocktails, and a curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
The opening of Sushidelic was celebrated with a private party in New York City, attended by a diverse group of Masuda’s fans, including Delic Girls Jandora Lewis and Hannah Luke, artists and models such as Toshi Salvino, Rin Castles, Mahou Prince, Candy5, and many others who follow Masuda’s kawaii movement. Sebastian Masuda, recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Japanese People in the World by Newsweek in 2019, is passionate about building communities and engaging younger generations to shape a better future.
In addition to his work on Sushidelic, Masuda is currently involved in the art direction of a musical production, Roald Dahl’s Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, in Tokyo.
The culinary team behind Sebastian Masuda’s Sushidelic includes three notable chefs. Chef Kyle Puchir is an experienced food and beverage consultant, private chef, and executive chef. He has worked with renowned restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park and Restaurant Daniel. With expertise in kitchen management, recipe development, product sourcing, and inventory management, Chef Puchir has a particular passion for vegan cuisine.
Chef Hiroki Abe comes from a family with a culinary tradition, with his father owning a sushi restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan. He moved to New York City in 2001 and quickly became one of the most sought-after chefs. He worked as the Executive Chef at the renowned EN Japanese Brasserie and later joined Kajitsu, the only Buddhist cuisine restaurant in the US, where he earned a Michelin Star. In late 2022, Abe joined forces with Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park to work on their vegetarian menu.
Chef Reina Tange’s (pictured with both Chef Abe and Chef Puchir) culinary journey started at her family’s restaurant, Sokodo-so, on Hachijojima, a subtropical island off the coast of Tokyo. She then pursued culinary arts studies at the Japan Culinary Arts College. Reina’s passion for food led her to Italy, where she attended the University of Foreigners in Perugia and gained experience working in local restaurants. After returning to Japan, she worked at the prestigious Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts in Ginza, Tokyo, where she honed her customer service and operations skills.
