Hiroshima-style Restaurant Chain Opens in Los Angeles

MEGHAN SAHARA (Hiroshima, 2009-2013)

Okonomiyaki defines comfort food in Hiroshima. A dish born out of the aftermath of WWII, it became a source of healing amidst the uncertainty and food scarcity of the rebuilding phase. Rice shortages forced culinary creativity, and residents began grilling together whatever food was on hand. Okonomiyaki gets it name from this necessity: with okonomi translating to “choice or preference”, and yaki means “cooked or grilled,” so the dish literally means, “What you like, grilled.” Over time, Hiroshima locals adapted their own version of okonomiyaki into a layered, savory pancake that sets it apart from other regional styles.

Seventy years later, Hiroaki Kawakami and Shinichi Muratake — two Hiroshima natives and owners of the Japanese restaurant chain Chinchikurin — have successfully introduced the dish stateside in Los Angeles with the opening of three new Chinchikurin locations in Sawtelle, Little Tokyo, and Torrance. Chinchikurin is Hiroshima slang that best translates to “shorty” in English, and Kawakami opened the first location in a small Hiroshima alley very short on space with only eight seats.

About the Author

Meghan Sahara, a Pittsburgh native, 2009-2013 Hiroshima JET alumna and okonomiyaki fanatic, currently resides with her family in Los Angeles.

This article is part of a guest-contributor partnership between the East-West Center in Washington and USJETAA in which former JET participants contribute articles relating to their experiences in Japan.