Japanese Sushi Legend Jiro Ono Celebrates 100th Birthday, Vows to Work for Another 13 Years

Strategic Insights -

At 100, Jiro Ono remains Japan's oldest head chef and a sushi legend. Born in 1925, Ono has devoted his life to crafting the perfect sushi, working tirelessly towards perfection. Despite his advanced age, he shows no signs of slowing down, citing work as the secret to his health. Ono has served the world's dignitaries, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, and has been featured in an award-winning film, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi." His tiny, 10-seat sushi bar, Sukiyabashi Jiro, in Tokyo's Ginza district, has earned three Michelin stars, a feat unmatched by any other sushi chef.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jiro Ono, 100, is Japan's oldest head chef and a sushi legend, who has won three Michelin stars for his restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro.
  • Ono has devoted his life to making sushi, and his son, Yoshikazu, who has worked with him, says he cherishes life and wants to work for a long time.
  • Ono's secret to health is reportedly "work," and he has continued to work despite his advanced age, massaging octopuses and serving sushi to his regular clients.
  • In 2014, Ono turned down a Japanese government request for a reservation for then-U.S. President Barack Obama, saying his restaurant was fully booked.
  • Ono's restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, was dropped from the Michelin guide in 2020 due to a change in reservation policy, but Ono has continued to serve sushi to special guests.
  • Ono has been featured in an award-winning film, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," and is now among Japan's nearly 100,000 centenarians.

Statistics:

  • Jiro Ono is 100 years old, making him Japan's oldest head chef.
  • Sukiyabashi Jiro, Ono's 10-seat sushi bar, has earned three Michelin stars since 2007.
  • Ono's son, Yoshikazu, has worked with his father and now serves as head chef at the Ginza restaurant.
  • In 2014, Ono served sushi to former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, at the sushi bar.
  • Sukiyabashi Jiro was dropped from the Michelin guide in 2020 due to a change in reservation policy.
  • Japan has nearly 100,000 centenarians, and Ono is among them.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, Tokyo, 2025.