Katsuya Uechi, a legendary sushi chef who created the Sushi Katsu-ya brand in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 67, his restaurants confirmed Friday.
Legacy in Los Angeles
Uechi, who moved to the United States from Japan in the 1980s, opened his first Sushi Katsu-ya restaurant on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City in 1997. The popularity of the restaurant grew into the Katsuya Group, a significant contributor in the Los Angeles food scene.
Condolences poured in for Uechi, who is often credited with creating and popularizing the spicy tuna crispy rice dish, as shocked fans took to social media to express their sadness and gratitude.
Uechi was survived by his son, Sam, the Katsuya Group said.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
