Brendan Sudol
July 2013

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Just watched this documentary on Netflix. What a beautiful and powerful film. The documentary “follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a Michelin three-star restaurant, on his continuing quest to perfect the art of sushi.”

It’s incredibly inspiring. This guy has spent the better part of a century making sushi. He loves what he does. And he’s better at it than anyone in the world. How did he get there? By immersing himself in this craft and working hard every single day to refine and improve his skills.

I do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I'll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.

Jiro Ono

I’m so impressed by Jiro’s work ethic, dedication, focus, and attention to detail. And the high standards he holds himself to, as well as everyone he works with. For example, here’s the philosophy of his tuna dealer:

I either buy my first choice, or I buy nothing. If ten tuna are for sale, only one can be the best. I buy that one.

Hiroki Fujita

Man, love that attitude. The film’s soundtrack, filled with several Philip Glass compositions, is also, fittingly, exceptional.

Alright, time for me to get back to work on improving my own skills.