Every night at Sushi Shunei, only nine guests are seated — in true edomae sushi tradition — in a simple space crafted in hinoki cypress and anchored by a striking central counter. There, Kimura recently made history by becoming the first female sushi chef in the world to be awarded a MICHELIN Star. Behind this major milestone is a story of resilience, courage and an unwavering drive to honor her late husband’s wishes.
A Singular Story
Her path has been anything but typical. Kimura was working as a tour guide until she lost her job during the pandemic. Meanwhile, her husband, Chef Shunei Kimura, who had been working as a sushi chef in Paris for decades, was ready to open his own restaurant. Kimura began studying the art of sushi alongside her husband, supporting his dream while he battled late-stage cancer and underwent chemotherapy. They finally opened their dream restaurant in 2021 after being delayed by COVID-19. Just nine months later, Sushi Shunei earned its first MICHELIN Star.
Three months later, however, Shunei was nearing the end of his battle with cancer. He asked his wife to keep the restaurant alive. “I had no choice. [Even though] I was still at the beginning of my training,” she says. The restaurant lost its MICHELIN Star in 2023, but Kimura didn’t give up. In Japan, it typically takes 10 years to learn sushi-making and 20 years to become a master.
Carrying the Torch
She pressed on, bringing in Takeshi Morooka, a master sushi chef formerly of Ginza Onodera, to accelerate her learning. In March 2025, Sushi Shunei was once again awarded a MICHELIN Star.“I just wanted to keep the promise I made to Shunei — to make our guests happy,” she says. “In doing so, I could keep a part of him alive.”
When her name was called at the MICHELIN ceremony in Metz, Kimura says she trembled. “I never imagined we’d get the Star back after losing Shunei.” She continues, “I doubted myself many times, but I’m determined. I kept getting up every day and giving it my all.”
Redefining What’s Possible
Originally from Odawara in Kanagawa prefecture — about two hours from Tokyo — Kimura never set out to be a chef. She may have imagined living abroad, but not necessarily in France. “I never imagined I’d live in Paris, much less become a chef here. It just seemed impossible.”
Now, she hopes this moment can be a spark for others. “I hope it inspires more women — whether they’re already in sushi or just beginning to think about it — to believe it’s possible.” She’s not the only one making waves. Kimura mentions Mei Kougo of Sushi Meino in Tokyo, “an incredibly talented chef,” she says. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she earns a Star soon, too.”
Hero Image : Chizuko Kimura, Sushi Shunei restaurant (Paris) © 11h45
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