Tsukiji restaurant's Chef Okajima passes away

Makati's Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant announced the passing of sushi master Chef Toshiro Okajima.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chef Okajima, beloved Sushi Master Chef of Tsukiji Restaurant," they announced on social media.

"We express our heartfelt gratitude for his contributions, creativity, and the warmth he shared with everyone around him making Tsukiji among Asia’s best restaurants. Chef Okajima’s legacy will live on through the memories he created and the lives he touched. Arigato gozaimasu," they continued. "Thank you, Chef Oka, for everything. You are greatly missed."

Remembering the late chef, fans of the restaurant shared their stories on the post.

"We are so saddened and shocked to hear about chef Okajima’s passing. I will miss the short chats I would have with him every time I went to Tsukiji. His sashimi was the best in Manila. Bar none. It was better than being in Tokyo, where I am from. May God and Buddha bless his soul," one Instagram user said.

Another user said Chef Oka "made every visit for our family a great experience."

"He has a very special place in our hearts, esp. for how he engaged with my Gen Z daughter since she was young. He was “approving” her orders, asking her about “graduating with medals” through her milestone, letting her practice her Japanese… They were just exchanging omiyages a month ago. Chef Oka, you will be missed," she wrote.

Okajima, who grew up in Tokyo, Japan, loved seafood from a young age. He started working at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, buying fish for a sushi shop. Through hard work, he became a sushi chef.

In 19989, Okajima opened his own sushi place in Makati City, Philippines called Tsukiji, serving guests the freshest seafood from Japan.