Rooted in Tradition, Growing Together
This month, we invite you to take a closer look at the stories that shape our communities—stories of resilience, tradition, and quiet excellence. Some are told through history books. Others are shared through family legacies, and some live on through food.
Our team at Yama Sushi Marketplace took a moment to do just that – reflecting on our roots and the community that continues to inspire us every day. Because before you can grow, you have to know where you come from.
Our Roots
Before there was Yama Sushi Marketplace, there was a man deeply rooted in the seafood world.
Mr. Yama started out as a fish broker, which meant early mornings and an uncompromising eye for quality. It meant understanding not just what fish was fresh, but why—how it was caught, handled, and transported. This experience didn’t just influence his career; it defined his philosophy.
As Mr. Yama simply put it, “I opened it because I thought I should sell the fish… and opened it with the intention of having people eat it.”
That spirit-honest, humble and deeply rooted in feeding others became the foundation of everything Yama is today, carried forward with the same care and intention.
Photo taken at Yama Sushi Marketplace Koreatown Grand Opening 2025. Pictured is Kotaro Sunagawa, Kenzo Yamada, Enrique Moreno (Kiké)
Photo taken at Yama Sushi Marketplace Koreatown Grand Opening 2025. Pictured is Kenzo Yamada and Scott Kohno.
Growing Together
From the beginning, Yamagrew alongside the people who walked through its doors. What started as a simple marketplace became part of everyday life, where quick stops turned into weekly rituals, and first visits turned into lasting memories.
Over the years, it’s been more than just the food that brought people back.. it’s been the moments created around it.
Moments Pictured: Shiny Book Signing at Yama West LA with Mar Vista school. // Community prepping LA Strong Bentos to give to those impacted by the LA fires and those on the frontlines // Annual Japanese New Year’s Tradition: Mochitsuki Rice Pounding event at all locations // Children Sushi Making Class with Chef Ko
“Yama helped me and my future wife to be together! Thanks! For many memories and otoro!”
For many, Yama became something to share—something to show the people they love.
“My favorite memory is seeing my family in awe when they saw this treasure of SGV for the first time. No other market compares.”
Stories like these are what have shaped Yama just as much as anything behind the counter. They’re a reminder that Yama has never just been about sushi. It’s about the connections, traditions, and memories built over time. And as the community has grown, so has Yama.
Looking Ahead Together
Now that we’ve taken a moment to reflect on our roots, we invite you to reflect on yours. Because you, our customers, our community are at the heart of everything we do and continue to inspire us every single day. This May, we’re sharing that appreciation by introducing new creators for you to discover, while bringing back some of the favorites that have been part of your story with us. Stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter for all the deets!