Released in 2011, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a documentary that features sushi master Jiro Ono, owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, the first sushi restaurant to score three Michelin stars. Located in a Tokyo subway station, the sushi-only restaurant seats a maximum of 10 people and costs ¥38,000 ($342 USD) per meal, which lasts approximately half an hour.
The restaurant became so popular that it eventually lost its stars because it was too difficult to get into. “We recognize [that] Sukiyabashi Jiro does not accept reservations from the general public, which makes it out of our scope,” a Michelin representative said.
So how did this 94-year-old become a world-renowned sensation? An unrelenting commitment to his craft and continuous pursuit of excellence.
“Once you decide on your occupation… you must immerse yourself in your work,” said Jiro. “You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the secret of success… and is the key to being regarded honorably.”
Jiro understands that through repetition and time, one can become a master at their job. What we learn from Jiro is his impeccable attention to detail and constant drive for improvement.
Although Jiro humbly recognizes that he will never be perfect, he always strives for perfection. He is never willing to settle for good enough.
“I’ll continue to climb to try to reach the top,” said Jiro. “But no one knows where the top is!”