Chef Yoshi Okai

Chef Yoshi Okai leads the culinary vision for Kira Omakase, bringing nationally recognized omakase expertise and Japanese culinary artistry to the concept.

Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, Yoshi built his reputation in Austin’s acclaimed Japanese dining scene, where he served as head sushi chef for the nationally celebrated Uchi and Uchiko restaurant groups before becoming Executive Chef of OTOKO, the intimate 12-seat omakase restaurant that helped redefine modern Japanese dining in the region. Widely regarded as pioneers in contemporary Japanese cuisine in the United States, Uchi and Uchiko played a transformative role in elevating sushi and omakase culture nationally, with Yoshi contributing during the group’s formative rise.

In 2017, Yoshi was recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as one of its Best New Chefs, one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious honors recognizing America’s top emerging culinary talent. His cuisine blends Tokyo-style Edomae sushi traditions with the refinement and seasonality of Kyoto-style Kaiseki, while balancing centuries-old Japanese technique with a bold creative sensibility shaped by his background as a punk rock vocalist and performer. This unconventional artistic influence has become a defining element of his immersive and highly personal omakase style.

Yoshi’s involvement positions Kira as a premier national dining destination and underscores Kira’s ambition to become one of the leading luxury omakase experiences in the country.