Asakusa, Tokyo. Just a short walk from the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, Hand Roll Tokyo was born in the spring of 2024. In the lively streets of Asakusa, bustling with both tourists and locals, this shop specializes in hand rolls—sushi that you can enjoy while strolling with just one hand. While sushi often brings to mind a special, high-end dining experience, Hand Roll Tokyo embraces the idea of “sushi you can enjoy casually.” Behind this concept lies the passion of its owner, Daigo Terakita, a vision he has carried for over 20 years.
The Roots of Sushi Lie in Its Simplicity
Today, sushi is often associated with luxury dining. But back in the Edo period, sushi was truly fast food. People enjoyed it standing at street stalls, freshly prepared in an instant by skilled chefs—an efficient and stylish food culture perfectly suited to the fast-paced lifestyle of Edo townsfolk.
Mr. Terakita explains:
"Nowadays, sushi has become something you sit down and savor slowly. But originally, it was food that anyone could enjoy casually, even just one piece at a time. I wanted to bring that origin back to life in today’s world."
A 20-Year Dream for Hand Rolls
A lifelong sushi enthusiast, Mr. Terakita began his career in his twenties working for a sushi ingredient manufacturer. It was there that he encountered the seafood ehōmaki—a moment that sparked lasting inspiration. “There are specialty shops for onigiri, but none for makizushi. Why shouldn’t there be sushi you can enjoy easily, even while walking?” With that thought in mind, he nurtured his dream for nearly two decades before finally bringing it to life in Asakusa with the opening of Hand Roll Tokyo in 2024.
At the shop, attention to ingredients is uncompromising: crisp, aromatic nori; carefully cooked rice; and fresh, colorful fillings. To adapt sushi for Japan’s vibrant street-food culture, innovations like powdered soy sauce add both convenience and flair. Just one bite is enough to make customers exclaim, “Mmm—delicious!” And for Mr. Terakita, those spontaneous moments of joy are his greatest reward.
Warm Reactions from Abroad
Although Hand Roll Tokyo is located in the heart of Asakusa, it is still relatively unknown among overseas visitors. Yet Mr. Terakita firmly believes in its potential.
He recalls one particularly memorable encounter with a family visiting from Australia—a country said to have more hand roll shops than McDonald’s. The family kept ordering roll after roll, and in the end, they shook his hand with a heartfelt “That was delicious!” As a gesture of thanks, their child even gifted him a small koala keychain.
That keychain now hangs proudly inside the shop, serving as both a cherished memento and a warm symbol of welcome for every guest who visits.
A Vision Beyond Japan
Mr. Terakita’s dream extends far beyond Asakusa. He envisions expanding through franchises across Japan and eventually reaching international markets. “We’ve built a system where anyone can easily make hand rolls, so global expansion is absolutely possible. What I want to create isn’t just another sushi shop—it’s a hand roll fast-food chain, something like McDonald’s, where anyone can casually drop by.”
But this vision goes deeper than business. It’s about sharing Japan’s sushi culture with the world. While many overseas hand roll shops already exist, they often rely on pre-made rolls or lower-quality ingredients. Hand Roll Tokyo, by contrast, is committed to delivering the authentic taste of hand rolls, crafted with care and genuine quality.
An “Experience” for Both Locals and Visitors
For travelers to Japan, Asakusa is a place to connect with tradition and culture. Mr. Terakita hopes that sushi can become one more memorable part of that journey.
“The freshest ingredients, crisp nori, and fluffy vinegared rice—being able to enjoy that combination casually, with just one hand, is the real charm of hand rolls. Whether while strolling the streets or during a short break, I want people to experience authentic Japanese makizushi.”
Hand Roll Tokyo is more than just a place to eat. It is a bridge connecting Japanese culture to the future, and a challenge to revive the Edo-era spirit of sushi as casual, everyday food.
So when you visit Asakusa, take a moment to experience the passion rolled into every piece. It’s sure to make your journey all the more vivid and unforgettable.
＜Store Information＞
Hand Roll Tokyo Asakusa (Website)
Hand Roll Tokyo Asakusa (Instagram)
1F, 1-12-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Fridays
TEL: +81-3-4400-2182
