Sukiyabashi Jiro, an exclusive sushi restaurant in Japan, has been removed from the 2020 Michelin gourmet guide as it no longer accepts public reservations.
The announcement came during the unveiling of Michelin’s Tokyo edition guide on Tuesday.
“We recognize Sukiyabashi Jiro does not accept reservations from the general public, which makes it out of our scope,” a spokeswoman for the Michelin Guide said in a statement, according to The Guardian.
“It was not true to say the restaurant lost stars but it is not subject to coverage in our guide. Michelin’s policy is to introduce restaurants where everybody can go to eat.”
Sukiyabashi Jiro, located in Tokyo, has continuously earned three Michelin stars every year since 2007. It is run by Jiro Ono, a sushi maestro who is in his 90s, and his eldest son, Yoshikazu.
The restaurant was the focus of the 2011 documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” It made headlines around the world in 2014 after former President Barack Obama dined there with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Obama said at the time that it was the best sushi he has ever had.
Sukiyabashi Jiro can only seat 10 people at a time. Prices for the chef’s selection start at 40,000 yen ($366) and customers can only make reservations if they are regulars, go through a top hotel or have special connections.
Despite the removal from the Michelin Guide, some experts believe this will not affect Jiro’s business.
“Not sure they are bothered, though presume some tourists might be,” Allan Jenkins, editor of Observer Food Monthly, told BBC. “Truth is since the film and Obama he is the most famous Japanese sushi chef alive and he will be fine. He is ancient and only has to fill 10 spots anyway.”
Feature Image via Obama White House
