Nearly two decades ago, award-winning chef Youji Iwakura, named Best Chef 2024 by The Boston Globe, brought to Boston a renaissance of traditional Japanese cuisine: washoku.

In 2018, this philosophy took shape as Kamakura, the city’s first modern kaiseki restaurant. During the pandemic, Washoku Renaissance emerged as a ghost kitchen—offering jewel-like Poke Boxes and Sashimi Chirashi Sushi, curbside. (Currently paused.)

At the heart of Washoku Renaissance is a commitment to local ecosystems, pairing Japanese technique with New England’s waters and seasons. It’s not fusion—it’s alignment. A celebration of balance, humility, and place.

Since January 2024, Chef Youji has brought the movement to the counter—hosting an intimate 8-seat sushi kaiseki residency at Foundation Kitchen in Charlestown, where storytelling and sustainability meet over 17, 20, or 23 courses.

Join us to share in a season, a tide, a memory— where the moonlight tastes a little different.