Shoku Club is my baby. In 2016, Royals Hot Chicken hosted me for my very first ramen pop-up, Satokei, which sold out 100 bowls before the doors even opened. After that rush, I couldn’t shake the craving to keep cooking, tasting, and sharing homestyle Japanese food.
At the end of that year, I moved to my dad’s hometown of Urawa, just north of Tokyo. Those years were some of the most meaningful of my life. I spent quality time with my Japanese family, met and befriended other half-Japanese folks for the first time, and explored Japan tip to tail—all while eating and drinking everything I could.
When I came back to Louisville, I knew I had to share what I’d just experienced.Two years and 24 pop-ups later, I found a lot more than just a full belly. I had built a brand. I designed and printed the merch, menus, and signage. I prepped, cooked, served, scrubbed—everything. And people showed up. Then they kept showing up. It felt like a dream come true: serving my Japanese taste memories to my own community. We nearly opened a restaurant in 2024, but sometimes life has other plans.
What I’ll always carry with me is the joy of seeing people light up while eating the flavors I grew up with—the flavors I’ve been wanting to share my whole life.
For now, Shoku Club is on hiatus. But we’re always open to fun opportunities.
Awards & Notables
- 2025 Bourbon Classic, People’s Choice Award for Best Small Bite
- Invitation from JASK (Japanese American Society of Kentucky) to prepare a special luncheon for the Japanese Ambassador to Kentucky, Yamada Shigeo.
- Special event partnerships with:
- Canary Club, Copper & Kings, Harrison-Smith House, KIWA Cafe, MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, Mr. Tubs, Pretty Decent, Renshoku Ramen, Retta’s Scoops, Shop Bar, Tartan House, West Sixth Nulu
Links & Media
