#Japan #Tokyo #Hand Roll Tokyo #Sushi Bar #MAME-TO-CHA

A Unique Culinary Revamp in Asakusa

Hand Roll Tokyo, a renowned sushi specialty store operated by Kamibito Inc., is preparing for a significant transformation at its Asakusa branch. Scheduled to reopen on September 12, 2026, in collaboration with the acclaimed 100% organic matcha café MAME-TO-CHA, this eagerly awaited makeover marks the celebration of their 2.5-year anniversary since establishment. With over 20 kinds of rolled sushi set to grace the menu, the venue promises a delightful fusion of flavors and cultural experiences.

Bringing International Flair to Japan

Originally anticipated to open a location in Southampton, England, in May 2026, Hand Roll Tokyo instead launched its first overseas venue in Chandler's Ford, near Southampton, in late July 2026. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with locals praising the sushi and unique drink offerings, which include matcha lattes and traditional Japanese Calpis. Garnering a 4.9-star rating from Google reviews, the store has received acclaim for its quality and hygiene, with comments like, "The best seaweed I've ever tasted!" and "The cleanliness here is impressive!" This success abroad gives great hope for the Asakusa revamp.

A New Dining Concept: Roll Sushi Meets Matcha Café

The upcoming revamp also aims to introduce a novel dining experience in Japan. As the popularity of the sushi and café combination blooms in the UK, Hand Roll Tokyo hopes to bring this trend back to its home city. This collaboration suggests a creative dining model where patrons can enjoy sushi in a casual café setting, a departure from Japan's conventional dining approach. Together with MAME-TO-CHA, known for its authentic matcha, visitors can indulge in a culinary journey featuring both rolled sushi and artisanal matcha drinks.

Enhancing Convenience: A Comfortable Eat-In Space

Originally designed with a focus on takeout, the Asakusa location will expand its dining area in response to customers’ requests for a more comfortable eating environment. The newly revamped facility will boast an air-conditioned area where guests can relax while enjoying freshly made sushi alongside delicious matcha drinks.

Matcha with a Touch of Live Performance

MAME-TO-CHA’s matcha is sourced from Shizuoka, certified organic under JAS, and features a dramatic serving style where staff will prepare drinks in front of customers using traditional tea whisks. This not only transforms the drink preparation into a visually captivating event but also enhances the taste experience because of the subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the sushi flavors.

The Art of Perfect Sushi

Hand Roll Tokyo pride themselves on using only the best ingredients to ensure a unique sushi experience. Here are three key features that make their rolls stand out:

1. Premium Seaweed: Using the finest Ariake nori, hand-selected for its thickness and flavor, each roll is crafted to deliver superior taste with a delightful crispness.
2. Powdered Soy Sauce: By utilizing powdered soy sauce instead of liquid, the seaweed remains crunchy, accentuating its flavor without overpowering the fish and rice.
3. Generous Portions: Each sushi roll is thoughtfully cut into halves, ensuring diners enjoy more filling than the standard serves, making them perfect both for on-the-go eating and those mindful of diet.

The Vision Behind Hand Roll Tokyo

The concept of Hand Roll Tokyo was born from the desire for a sushi experience that could be enjoyed one-handed while watching sports. As the idea of serving sushi in a convenient roll format flourished, it became clear that there was a demand for such offerings in Japan, where dedicated sushi shops are scarce. Inspired by the popularity of sushi joints down under in Australia, where sushi specialty stores outnumber even McDonald's franchises, the decision was made to initiate operations in Tokyo in March 2024.

Not only do we aim to satisfy local sushi lovers, but we hope to showcase our modern take on fast food to international visitors. As Hand Roll Tokyo approaches its 2.5-year anniversary, notable media outlets and social media platforms have acknowledged its growth, paving the way for exciting collaborations such as the one with MAME-TO-CHA. This partnership will catalyze a broader global outreach, inviting sushi enthusiasts worldwide to discover and enjoy being part of the sushi revolution from Asakusa.

Major Media Coverage

• - Nippon TV: ZIP!
• - TBS: N-St
• - Fuji TV: Sustaina!
• - Japan Times
• - Nippon Broadcasting: Udo no Rajio

Contact Information: For more details, visit the Hand Roll Tokyo website at official site, or follow their social media channels such as Instagram and Tripadvisor.

Main Branch Address: Kamibito Co., Ltd., 3-13-5 Shinjuku, Tokyo, 9F. Hand Roll Tokyo Asakusa: 1-12-6 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo. Phone: 03-4400-2182. Email: [email protected].