tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post2425944013571485126..comments2023-11-05T20:18:59.869+08:00Comments on House of Annie: In Memoriam: Ryosuke Yoshioka, the Sushi Man of San FranciscoNate @ House of Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00999631992214200998noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-27420619332019924772009-12-30T12:06:30.670+08:002009-12-30T12:06:30.670+08:00I'm back in SFO after one year. One of the fir...I'm back in SFO after one year. One of the first things I wanted to do today, my second day in town, was to go back to Sushi Man and get another of those unforgettable spicy tuna and to enjoy again that perfect not-too-sweet green tea ice-cream.<br />I have found the shop replaced by another one. Depression. "Maybe it did not survive the crisis", I thought at first. "Maybe he retired" my girlfriend suggested. And then Google revealed me the tragedy. Damn, I ate there on the 1st Jan 2009, only a few days before that psycho killed him. Too bad, what a shame. All my support to the family. I didn't know him as a person, but he seemed a very nice man and his sushi was really from another planet, surely one of the best of the many I have tried during the last 5 years.<br /><br />Andrea LaniAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-61090604304612636042009-11-25T00:30:08.615+08:002009-11-25T00:30:08.615+08:00I am sitting here in my office in Chicago weeping....I am sitting here in my office in Chicago weeping. I used to go to San Francisco 5-6 times a year on business and every trip I ate at least twice a week at Sushi man. Ryo was the kind of chef where I would sit in front of and tell him to serve me whatever he pleased. We would have long talks about family, food and life and I would always feel happy walking back to my hotel after being with him. My picture was on his board and my son still wears his Sushi man t-shirt. I have not been back to SF for 4 years. MY wife,son and I are taking a trip out there the end of December and I just googled Sushi Man to make sure he was still open. Thats when I read the sad news. May Ryo's memory serve as a blessing. Do you know if there is a memorial fund for his family ? Please e-mail me if so at flashstar@mindspring.com<br /><br />Thanks for the tribute to him,<br />MichaelMichaelhttp://www.theflashcomgroup.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-91764705369424003382009-11-15T01:20:49.508+08:002009-11-15T01:20:49.508+08:00Mr. Yoshioka, or "Ryo" as he asked to be...Mr. Yoshioka, or "Ryo" as he asked to be called, made every meal at Sushi Man feel like a special occasion. Whenever I entered, he would remember me and my son, and speak with great pride about his own boy. I will greatly miss seeing him, and joking with him over an excellent meal. My heart goes out to the family of this amazing individual.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13616478967008180781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-62569766979869331852009-06-09T10:10:24.391+08:002009-06-09T10:10:24.391+08:00I actually use to work there at Sushi-man!
Sensei...I actually use to work there at Sushi-man!<br /><br />Sensei was a really hard worker and at times he would be really hard on us kitchen and wait staff but he had a passion for his food. We'd always end up eating after our work session and there were times when he'd be so tired he'd pass out from exhaustion. When that happens we'll lock everything up and carry him to the back. <br /><br />You were right, he absolutely HATED doing the fancy ass rolls and anything that was not traditionally Japanese. I remember we had a customer who came in asking for Brown Rice and he felt so insulted telling her 'We only have high quality Japanese rice'<br /><br />Did you know that all the fish you see in the glass cabinets at the sushi bar are taken away every night and stored at the back in a special freezer that only contained fish?? Unlike other sushi places where they leave the raw fishes in these glass cabinets with freezing attachments. Naturally I asked him why he did that and he yelled at me saying that integrity of the fish would be jeopardized! <br /><br />That was how meticulous he was in preparing his food. He was a hard worker no doubt about it, there were times I was close to tears because of me screwing up in the kitchen or in the restaurant but despite everything he cared so much for us, feeding us every night and telling us good job.<br /><br />He will be missed.SL Chanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03598440863127936656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-18561861837638419202009-05-07T10:11:00.000+08:002009-05-07T10:11:00.000+08:00I just learned of the terrible news today, May 6, ...I just learned of the terrible news today, May 6, 2009. I've been to Sushi Man many times but I was a regular when I moved to SF in the summer of 2003. I transferred jobs and my new employer put me up in a hotel on Bush St. and paid for everything (including meals) for two months. Thus, that summer I went to Sushi man all the time!--Hey my boss was footin the bill so I was going to eat the best food!!And the food was so great!! Sushi man was such a nice guy, and one of his waitresses became a really good friend! It turned into a helluva great summer--I'd meet my friend when she got done with work at Sushi Man and she'd bring me Sushi man food (most of it was actually her dinner), and then we'd go out. We saw the White Stripes in concert in Berkeley, we went to movies, to bars...it was fun. She has since moved back to Japan and I have since been stuck under a mountain of work. ...I was chatting with her today, I hadn't talked to her in months which happens when friends move away...I was telling her how much fun that summer had been and we were catching up and she gave me the news about Ryosuke Yoshioka--our beloved Sushi Man. I was shocked, I still am shocked, but now I'm just plain sad. What a terrible tragedy. God Bless you Ryosuke Yoshioka I pray your family will find the strength to make it through such a terrible time and I will always think of you, the wonderful food, and the fun I had summer 2003.dwixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17431578502140007034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-81197688244503619282009-02-08T05:06:00.000+08:002009-02-08T05:06:00.000+08:00Sushi Man was an amazing human being, always so ha...Sushi Man was an amazing human being, always so happy and smiling. The first time I went out with my girlfriend we went to Sushi Man's, it became "our place"! We went back a few months later and again received nothing but the best in service and food. He came over and chatted with us for upwards of 45 minutes. He truly made us feel like we were at home. We will forever remember Sushi Man and his wonderful sushi.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03302773812862647494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-73455214704101181732009-02-05T01:54:00.000+08:002009-02-05T01:54:00.000+08:00What a lovely tribute you wrote to Ryo and such wo...What a lovely tribute you wrote to Ryo and such wonderful memories you have of his sushi artistry. I can only imagine what it was like to enjoy his restaurant.Andrea Meyershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568261480528838783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-24583427378532308832009-01-22T12:12:00.000+08:002009-01-22T12:12:00.000+08:00@Anonymous - I wish I could have been there for bo...@Anonymous - I wish I could have been there for both the service and the gathering afterward. I would have been nice to meet all of you.<BR/><BR/>@Emiko - your story just breaks my heart. I really feel for your daughter Alexis.Nate @ House of Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00999631992214200998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-19575404555228825142009-01-20T15:39:00.000+08:002009-01-20T15:39:00.000+08:00Thank you for your beautiful memorial to Ryo. We ...Thank you for your beautiful memorial to Ryo. <BR/><BR/>We have not seen him since Sep 2008 and were looking forward to saying hello today. Upon our arrival at Sushi-Man, we were shocked to hear of Ryo's death almost two weeks ago.<BR/><BR/>My family and I live in Los Angeles, but have enjoyed his hospitality and excellent sushi for several years.<BR/><BR/>Our kids, 10 yrs and 6 yrs old, really bonded with him and are deeply saddened. Last September, Ryo gave our youngest, Alexis, one of his white cat statues (Good Luck Kitty). She treasures this token of Ryo's kindness and burst into tears as we stood outside his restaurant this afternoon.<BR/><BR/>We extend our deepest condolences to Ryo's wife and son, and pray for their comfort during this terrible time of loss.<BR/><BR/>Emiko, Hannes, Johannes and Alexis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-6228022611427675732009-01-19T09:21:00.000+08:002009-01-19T09:21:00.000+08:00This posting has been greatly appreciated. It was ...This posting has been greatly appreciated. It was even printed & posted up at Sushi-Man restaurant yesterday for the gathering after the memorial service. <BR/><BR/>The service yesterday was a beautiful tribute, and the crowds were overflowing out into the street. The grieving is still just beginning, but the healing is too. Thank you for all your kind words.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-2497881241274345372009-01-19T06:32:00.000+08:002009-01-19T06:32:00.000+08:00@Marielle - thank you for sharing your thoughts wi...@Marielle - thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Ryo was really one-of-a-kind, and much loved.<BR/><BR/>@Ravey Gravey - What a beautiful story! I wish I could have been there at the service to hear all of the "family's" stories.<BR/><BR/>@Isami - Yes, I remember meeting you! Thank you for your words. I wish we could all have shared more time together, with Ryo serving up his excellent sushi.Nate @ House of Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00999631992214200998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-86503600055302739022009-01-19T02:25:00.000+08:002009-01-19T02:25:00.000+08:00Dear Nate and Annie,What a beautiful tribute for R...Dear Nate and Annie,<BR/><BR/>What a beautiful tribute for Ryo-san! I believe I met you at Sushi-man in Oct 2006. I'm the person from Hawaii who attends the Cal football games and always had my dinner at Ryo's. I read the news about his tragic death this morning and share your sentiments about him, although I can't express them as eloquently as you did. I have fond memories of Ryo-san since I first started going there in 1999 and of the people I met there. May Miyuki-san and their son be comforted knowing that Ryo-san touched the lives of so many people all over the world.Isamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14544265849071180669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-42591115358211049592009-01-18T14:49:00.000+08:002009-01-18T14:49:00.000+08:00Nate and Annie,I loved Ryo in the same way your fa...Nate and Annie,<BR/><BR/>I loved Ryo in the same way your family did. I used to go to his restaurant once a month. In fact, today, during his memorial service, several other of Ryo's family (of regulars/customers) shared their stories. And, the Master of Ceremony, Mike Kavanaugh, shared how he used to bring his dates to Ryo...for exactly the same reason I did...to have Ryo give the nod of approval (or not =)!) Ryo ALWAYS made me laugh...he used to tell me to have 10 boyfriends...until I find the one. I always went by his restaurant because, having moved here from NY, it was the first place in the city that I found a true atmosphere of my neighborhood spot --where you are true friends with the owners and it feels more like a 2nd home than going to a restaurant. <BR/>I remember going to Ryo's one night just after having the end of a stomach flu. I told Ryo that I was fighting it and he went back into the kitchen, and came out with a hot mug full of a concoction of love -- boiled ginger root, lemon, and honey. I wanted to cry. His heart was as the buddhist monk described today -- full of compassion and kindness -- the two key elements to living a happy joyful life. Ryo effervesced with this joy, a sincerity, a deep warmth. He was love incarnate.<BR/><BR/>When I first met Ryo, I shared with him how I had grown up with my uncle Fumi, a Japanese man that married my aunt and was my uncle. There was a sense of kindred spirit...he reminded me of my uncle. And, I remember, whenever I would finish eating, he invariably served the chilled martini glass with green tea ice cream...even if I proclaimed I was on a diet =). But, more than this, he did some things that were so heartwarming...that made me feel "a part of"...when his friends were in from Japan, he always introduced me and we would chat for hours, and he would always serve me whatever special dessert he prepared for them. <BR/>There isn't enough I can say about Ryo...other than, he is love, he is loved, and he will live forever in our hearts. <BR/>-Tania (Nob Hill Resident -- 1 Block up on Pine & Powell)Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16661151830318694578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-50252795090119511072009-01-18T13:19:00.000+08:002009-01-18T13:19:00.000+08:00I've been to Sushi-Man on several occasions - the ...I've been to Sushi-Man on several occasions - the food was divine, but it was Ryo who made the place truly special. He was a gifted sushi chef, and just an absolute joy to be around. His stories ranged from hilarious [how DO you eat a chicken leg while attending a traditional Chinese dinner?] to heartwarming [his wife and children meant he world to him] to inspirational [lots of life lessons].<BR/><BR/>He loved life: his business, his staff, his family, everyone who came to his restaurant - and it showed in all he did. A man like Ryo does not come along very often, and I count myself lucky for the opportunity to spend time with him. My thoughts are with his family and everyone who was close to him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-13639141008553573612009-01-17T05:06:00.000+08:002009-01-17T05:06:00.000+08:00@Nancy - thank you so much for your kind words.@Gr...@Nancy - thank you so much for your kind words.<BR/><BR/>@Greg and Kris - thanks for sharing your story!<BR/><BR/>@AW - do itashi mashite. And thank you for telling us about when his service is. I don't know if we'll be able to make it up there, but we'll be there in spirit.Nate @ House of Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00999631992214200998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-43793868100420999592009-01-17T02:33:00.000+08:002009-01-17T02:33:00.000+08:00Nate-n-Annie...Thank you for this wonderfully and ...Nate-n-Annie...<B>Thank you for this wonderfully and beautifully written tribute</B>. The Yoshioka Family are dear family friends of my husband and I. I appreciate all the pictures and wonderful words. It brought back lots of memeories. His food was great; his golf game and tips were on par; and his sense of humor was even better. Thank you... again.<BR/><BR/>A <B>memorial service</B> will be held on Saturday, Jan 17th at 2pm at the Sokoji Church on Laguana & Sutter.<BR/><BR/>A <B>memorial fund</B> has been set up for the Yoshioka Family. If you would like to make a contribution:<BR>Ryosuke Yoshioka Memorial Fund, Account No. 2119185011, Wells Fargo Bank, 2055 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-17253163104755796572009-01-16T11:05:00.000+08:002009-01-16T11:05:00.000+08:00Breaks our hearts. We met the Sushi Man on the day...Breaks our hearts. We met the Sushi Man on the day we got engaged to be married and traveled from Portland to San Francisco a few times to share a meal with him after. <BR/><BR/>So sad and incomprehensible, still.The O'Sheashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14887851548539021097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-24344721051941741402009-01-15T17:31:00.000+08:002009-01-15T17:31:00.000+08:00Hi! Nice pictures.. Its not wasy to take pics of s...Hi! Nice pictures.. Its not wasy to take pics of savoury food... But good job! And I'm so sorry to hear that... Japanese are really kind people and its really sad to find out such things actually happened to them.. I hope whoever was the culprit gets his deserved punishing...Claire Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16704889501383072195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-11260389532522156722009-01-15T09:12:00.000+08:002009-01-15T09:12:00.000+08:00Thank you for posting this. Ryo had a way of makin...Thank you for posting this. Ryo had a way of making everyone feel as though they were his friends. And indeed, I believe they were. His death is tragic. It is a profound and senseless loss for his wonderful family. Ryo was not only a talented sushi master, but an intelligent, witty, honest and earnest man. He had an excellent memory, not just for the food, but for faces and people. He was devoted and generous. His death is a loss for the entire community. If you are able to afford a donation to the family, please do. I am certain if the loss of Ryo means this much to me, a patron of Sushi Man, then his family, a lovely wife and dear 15 year old son, is devastated. At this point I know of no plans for a memorial, if there is one, will you please post it? Thank you. <BR/>Ryosuke Yoshioka Memorial Fund, Account No. 2119185011, Wells Fargo Bank, 2055 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-29881542132647248532009-01-15T06:37:00.000+08:002009-01-15T06:37:00.000+08:00@all - thank you for your comments. They are real...@all - thank you for your comments. They are really apreciated. Please keep them coming. Your sharing is cathartic!<BR/><BR/>BTW, if anyone knows when is Ryo's funeral (if that is public information), could you tell me?<BR/><BR/>@Tanya - sushi of the freshest quality is a beautiful thing. I hope your husband one day will change his mind.<BR/><BR/>@Chef Ben - Chefs like Ryo are a rare breed, indeed.<BR/><BR/>@Anonymous - can you tell me more about your experiences eating at Sushi-Man?<BR/><BR/>@Naomi - what was your mother's restaurant? Did he work anywhere else before starting Sushi-Man?<BR/><BR/>@Bob - I agree completely.<BR/><BR/>@Ravey Gravey - Do you have a story or an anectdote you'd like to share?Nate @ House of Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00999631992214200998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-60127395840910261822009-01-15T03:53:00.000+08:002009-01-15T03:53:00.000+08:00What a beautifully written tribute. He sounded lik...What a beautifully written tribute. He sounded like he had a passion just just for his craft, but for life itself... I will never understand such senseless tragedies :(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-66314592734452148872009-01-14T13:19:00.000+08:002009-01-14T13:19:00.000+08:00I never had the pleasure of experiencing the art o...I never had the pleasure of experiencing the art of sushi as practiced so sublimely by the Sushi Man. He truly sounds like he was gifted, and generous in heart and spirit. What a horrible, tragic end for a man who seemed so gentle and kind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-45159197603789122312009-01-14T08:58:00.000+08:002009-01-14T08:58:00.000+08:00sorry for the bad news.sorry for the bad news.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01468131470539933197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-52699087375995675302009-01-14T07:35:00.000+08:002009-01-14T07:35:00.000+08:00I am more than heartbroken. There are not words f...I am more than heartbroken. There are not words for this. <BR/><BR/>Ryo is a friend, a true friend. He was my mentor about how to take it easy in life. This is more than sad. <BR/>Ryo and his wife, Miyuki, and his son, were like family. That's what it felt like every time I visited his restaurant. <BR/>I live one block up the hill from Sushi Man. And, I've been a regular for 7 years. <BR/>I sit here in shock...the man with the lightest heart, who always made me laugh, and who shared so much life wisdom -- this makes no sense. <BR/><BR/>My mind is flooded with memories of Ryo and his family. His kindhearted manner and generosity are impossible to describe.Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16661151830318694578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36752534.post-56477637737408456242009-01-14T06:42:00.000+08:002009-01-14T06:42:00.000+08:00I am thankful for your posting. I just heard abou...I am thankful for your posting. I just heard about this an hour ago and I've was looking for information. <BR/>I count Ryo as a friend who taught me to love sushi. But sushi became a secondary to sharing stories and talking with him. To spend time with Ryo was something I always looked forward to.<BR/>His impact and smile will always be remembered.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Bobbobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00727192850579060379noreply@blogger.com