ITAMAE – The 7 Samurai of Japanese Cuisine

01/04/2025

New Kenji, the first 100% Italian sushi rice brand by Mundi Riso, is ready to guide you on a discovery of the most renowned Japanese restaurants in Italy – a gastronomic exploration at the highest levels of quality and authenticity. Italy top sushi masters will welcome you into unique settings, inviting you to savor real Japanese cuisine – alive, dynamic and constantly renewing itself in the pursuit of taste and perfection.

A journey in search of the true Japan in Italy: the best sushi masters, the most authentic locations, and the unmistakable flavors of a tradition in constant evolution.

Seven restaurants are the stars of this journey, each with its own unique character and story to be discovered. We’re talking about: Mikachan, a true Japanese Izakaya in Rome, Poporoya, the first historic sushi bar in Milan, Mambo Tony Sushi, a surprising sushi counter at the base of Monte Rosa, Osaka, a traditional and minimalist Japanese setting in central Milan; then: Kokoro, the “flower of Milan’s outskirts”, Shiro Poporoya, a modern restaurant offering a sensory journey through Japan, past and present, and finally Finger’s Garden, an oasis of nature, creativity and elegance in the heart of Milan.

Historic establishments mix with fusion spots, all led by highly skilled, experienced chefs. “Itamae” is in fact the Japanese term used to refer to chefs – especially those of high rank – so it will be the sushi masters themselves, with their hands and voices, who will open the doors to their world. They’ll guide you through a path of top-quality ingredients, strict traditions, innovation and passion – featured in new videos released weekly on New Kenji YouTube channel.

Their expertise and knowledge will inspire, as will their personalities and stories. These are the “7 Samurai of Japanese Cuisine” in Italy – the iconic “warriors” who uphold the true essence of Japanese culinary tradition in our country.

By their side in every recipe: New Kenji Premium Sushi Rice, the top-of-the-line sushi rice in Europe. Selected and processed entirely in Italy by Mundi Riso – part of Ebro Foods, the world leader in rice and a key player in premium and fresh pasta – the product stands out for combining 100% Italian rice with the ideal consistency, shine and flavor required by top-level Japanese cuisine.

New Kenji is also the official rice of the Sushi Cup, the competition where each country crowns its best non-Japanese sushi chef, coming to Italy for the first time in Vercelli on the 28th of May 2025, ahead of the World Sushi Cup finals in Tokyo. Already used by sushi masters around the world, with “ITAMAE – The 7 Samurai of Japanese Cuisine”, the brand strengthens its connection to the values of quality, authenticity and excellence.

The project is carried out in collaboration with chefs from AIRG, the Italian Association of Japanese Restaurateurs, which since 2003 has ensured the preservation of traditional Japanese principles of hospitality, care and quality in the italian dining scene and promotes Japanese culinary culture.