Meet OUR TEAM

“Nobuyuki Ootsuna leads by example, trains and communicates effectively, and makes the work worthwhile for everyone. His commitment and will to succeed in tough environments is inspiring. Adding to his already accomplished body of work, he is trilingual and able to speak fluent Spanish, English and Japanese. I watched him take classes to learn a third language while working full shifts, so that he would be able to better communicate with his staff.”
- Hideto Sugimoto, Director, System and Menu Development

Nobuyuki Ootsuna is one of the founding employees of Kura Sushi USA and he continues to be instrumental in the growth and development of this organization. He began his career more than 20 years ago when he started working for Kura Sushi in Japan as a dishwasher at 19 years old. He was an incredible dishwasher and quickly became promoted to Kitchen Prep Staff and Team Leader within 2 years.

After leaving the company to pursue other interests, Nobuyuki realized after 3 years that he wanted to come back to work for Kura Sushi for the long haul. Over the course of 6 years in Japan, he held the ranks of Manager in Training, Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Area Manager and Opening Store Manager.

At 31 years old, he came to the U.S. to help with Kura Sushi’s presence here in the states and has since served as Store Manager for 4 different locations, Area Manager and Opening Manager (his current title). His most enjoyable aspect of working for Kura Sushi is his interaction with guests and seeing them with joy in their eyes and big smiles on their faces.

Ryosuke Saito has been a part of the Kura Sushi family for 5 years. He started his career at Kura Sushi as a Manager in Training at Torrance and has served as the Store Manager since October of 2016. He enjoys running a smooth operation and maintaining happy team members and customers.

“After working side by side with Saito for the past 4 years, I am consistently impressed by his attitude and productivity. I particularly appreciate Saito’s willingness to take initiative and help the team reach its maximum potential through sales and customer service. I can confidently say he is genuinely humble to anyone he meets, a hardworking leader for his team and passionate about his love for Kura Sushi. I am grateful and appreciative to have Saito on our team.”

- Keith Hashimoto, Store Compliance Manager at Kura Sushi USA

“Sally is not only an amazing professional designer, but she is also a humble, patient and reliable constituent that always exceeds expectations. As a Bikkura Pon expert, she has led successful collaboration projects and has consistently contributed to Kura Sushi’s success. I am pleased to have her on our team and excited to see her grow within the organization!”

- Hitomi Vinciguerra, Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Kura Sushi USA

Sally Kurosaki began her career path at Kura Sushi working as a Server at the Torrance, California restaurant in 2015. Sally’s hard work ethic did not go unnoticed as it led to her quick transition to Head Server in under a year, and the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography she earned from California State University, Long Beach made her an excellent candidate for Kura’s Marketing Department where she landed the role of Public Relations & Promotions Assistant in 2017.

In 2019, she was promoted to PR & Marketing Specialist and today serves as the Advertising & Promotions Supervisor where she oversees the success of all of Kura Sushi’s Bikkura Pon IP collaborations. One of her biggest achievements was designing the first collaborative Bikkura Pon animation for Sonic the Hedgehog.

It’s unfathomable how fast and high May can achieve with Kura in the near future,” - Thai To, Area Manager at Kura Sushi USA

“I was impressed by May’s ability to handle any situation calmly and patiently even with the toughest operation time. She is a hard worker and talented individual, and she will indeed bring sunshine to upcoming new stores and to the team.” - Motoki Sugahara, Opening Team Manager at Kura Sushi USA

May Aye Mya Zin began her Kura Sushi career as a Kitchen Prep Staff at the Carrollton, Texas location in December 2017. May’s outstanding work ethic and performance quickly led to her fitting into the Manager in Trainee and Assistant Manager roles at Frisco, Texas in 2018.

Fast forward to Summer of 2019, May officially took on the mantle of Store Manager at the Plano, Texas restaurant. Under her management, the store consistently produced incredible results that were recognized company-wide. Throughout her tenure, May has been an integral employee with her countless contributions to the success and stability of the Dallas area stores. In 2021, she decided to challenge herself and take on a new opportunity within the Opening Team Department and join this spearhead force that plays a major role in the expansion of Kura Sushi USA.

What is your role at Kura Sushi?

Support and train store management in my given area.

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

3 years.

What is your work history at Kura Sushi?

I began as an MIT at Brea from November 2018 - February 2019, and became an Assistant Manager in March 2019 and Store Manager in January 2020. In 2021, I transferred over to Cypress from January - March. In April 2021, I relocated to Sawtelle and was promoted to Area Manager in October 2021.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Working with employees from different backgrounds and helping them develop their skills.

What is your favorite item at Kura Sushi?

Japanese Style Soy Milk donuts. Great mix of savory and sweet!!

What advice do you have for prospective Kura Sushi candidates?

Come be part of a different food revolution. Be the change you want to make.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Spending time with my family and friends, going on hikes, watching movies, or playing board games.

What is your role at Kura Sushi?

Educate managers on the importance of their roles.

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

5 years.

What is your work history at Kura Sushi?

I started as a Store Manager and after 3 years, I was promoted to Area Manager. I currently oversee 5 stores across 2 states.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Kura Sushi offers great opportunities for employees who are willing to learn and grow beyond their current position.

What advice do you have for Kura Sushi’s team members who want to advance their career at Kura?

Don’t wait for more responsibilities, ask your managers for it.

How would you describe Kura Sushi in 3 words?

Delicious, Fun, and Healthy

What advice do you have for prospective Kura Sushi candidates?

It’s important to demonstrate your hunger to learn, and your interest in the business.

What is your favorite item at Kura Sushi?

Seared Scallop with Japanese Mayo

What are 3 things you have on your bucket list?

1. Travel the world 2. Go to space 3. Be on a submarine

Do you have a hidden talent?

I dabble in knife sharpening.

What is your role at Kura Sushi?

To ensure customer satisfaction to all our guests.

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

6 years.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

The constant opportunities for growth. I started my career at Kura Sushi as a Store Manager before transitioning to my current position as a Customer Service Manager at the Corporate Support Center.

How would you describe Kura Sushi in 3 words?

All-natural, Cost-efficient, High-quality.

What advice do you have for prospective Kura Sushi candidates?

Have an open mind, hunger for growth, and a willingness to work as a team.

What is your favorite item at Kura Sushi?

Yuzu Jalapeno Tuna Nigiri.

What are 3 things you have on your bucket list?

Visit Japan, Go skydiving, Have $1 million saved up

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

5 years.

How would you describe Kura Sushi in 3 words?

Fun, Unforgettable and Friendly.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

I like/love the environment. The diversity of the customers that come in and out of the store. The store is made to have a good solid bond not just for the customers but for the workers like me from one another. I love how I introduce and teach the customers how everything works in the store and it makes the customer feel amazed about what kura has to offer to everyone.

What advice do you have for prospective Kura Sushi candidates?

My advice for the prospective Kura Sushi candidate is to be who you are and make sure you love what you are doing. For the past 5 years that I worked with this company, I never had any problem with anything. Didn’t have any issue with anyone. Customer service is not an easy job but if you enjoy it. Things will fall onto places perfectly.

What is your favorite item at Kura Sushi?

Not to sound biased but I honestly love everything that Kura has on our menu.

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

I’ve been working for Kura Sushi for almost 5 years since July 2016. I started as a sushi prep staff, server, assistant manager trainee and now as an assistant manager.

What is your role at Kura Sushi?

It is my role as an assistant manager and opening manager to make sure that our customers are satisfied with our food and service by managing the store, our personnel, cashflow, product quality and availability. One of the most crucial roles as an assistant manager is to ensure health, safety and security protocols are implemented by conducting regular inspections. It is our top priority to make sure that our customers and employees are healthy, safe, secured and satisfied at Kura Sushi.

What/Who inspired you to become a sushi chef?

I was inspired by my grandma’s passion in cooking. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always admired my grandma. I love it when she cooks our food because I know it’s delicious. I believe she’s not only an inspiration to me but also to my family who also showed interest and passion to food industry.

What advice do you have for prospective Kura Sushi candidates?

When you work, always do your best, love your work and strive for excellence, and the rest will follow. Just enjoy what you’re doing and treat everyone with respect.

What motivates you to do your very best?

I love challenging myself to see how far I can go and make sure that I am always the better version of me than I was yesterday. Knowing that I can always improve myself everyday makes me strive harder.

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

9 years.

What/Who inspired you to become a sushi chef?

I started as a server, then moved up to head server. My manager and assistant manager at the time inspired me to push myself and move up.

What is your favorite item at Kura Sushi?

Seared Scallop Japanese Mayo and Dashi Olive Sweet Shrimp.

What/who motivates you to do your very best?

Positivity and my family and friends.

What is your favorite line from a movie or TV show?

“Just keep swimming” - Dory, Finding Nemo

What is your role at Kura Sushi?

The Team Mom.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Hands on management style.

How would you describe Kura Sushi in 3 words?

Fun With Friends.

What/Who inspired you to become a sushi chef?

Friends who have never tried sushi before.

What motivates you to do your very best?

Curiosity to find answers.

How long have you been working at Kura Sushi?

4yrs.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Flexible schedule and great work environment.

How would you describe Kura Sushi in 3 words?

Connected, Motivating and Nurturing.

What motivates you to do your very best?

Being a SINGLE parent my KID'S Motivate me to do my very best.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Flexible schedule and great work environment.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Dealing with different types of fish and the culture because it's inviting.

How would you describe Kura Sushi in 3 words?

Fresh, Delicious and Consistent.

What motivates you to do your very best?

I feed off my passion for what I do.

What is your favorite line from a movie or TV show?

"With great power comes great responsibility" - Spiderman

Do you have a hidden talent?

I’m an artist that specializes in acrylic paint.

What is your role at Kura Sushi?

To ensure the continuous smooth operation of the store.

What do you like most about working at Kura Sushi?

Molding qualified candidates into future leaders at Kura Sushi.

What is your favorite item at Kura Sushi?

Salmon Toro.

What do you love most about yourself?

That I can be dedicated and efficient while still finding time to laugh.

What is your favorite line from a movie or TV show?

“Wax on, wax off” from the movie The Karate Kid. It simply means small actions can lead to big changes in life.