ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Japanese Food Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nami Nori Montclair

Temaki Chef

Montclair, NJ

$800 - $1.0K/wk

Description SUSHI HAND ROLL CHEF Nami Nori is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train ...

Nami Nori

Temaki Chef

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$800 - $1.0K/wk

Job Type Full-time Description SUSHI HAND ROLL CHEF Nami Nori is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience ...

Nami Nori

Temaki Chef

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$800 - $1.0K/wk

SUSHI HAND ROLL CHEF Nami Nori is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train the ideal ...

MAIDO!

Assistant Chef

Ardmore, PA · On-site

Familiarity in Japanese food Benefits * Employee Discount * Inclusive meals * Uniform At MAIDO!, we provide equal opportunity for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion ...

Kuza

Sushi Chef

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Executive Chef Location: KUZA Scottsdale (Chauncey Ln) Pay Rate: $65K-75K+/year Job Summary The ... Experience with Japanese food & culture or Asian-influenced concepts strongly preferred. * Strong ...

Gategroup

Japanese Sous Chef

Seattle, WA

$80K - $85K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef or the Executive Chef for the unit, the Japanese Sous Chef ... Drives the food production effort with the assistance of Food Supervisors Experience in authentic ...

Umami Riot Experience

Sushi Apprentice

Boston, MA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... Japanese food and sake culture. We're looking for a Sushi Apprentice who is eager to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced chefs while contributing to a kitchen culture built on ...

Nami Nori

Temaki Chef - DD

Miami, FL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Job Details Nami Nori/Matsuyoi is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience ...

Nami Nori - Miami

Sushi Chef

Miami, FL

Nami Nori/Matsuyoi is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train the ideal candidates ...

Nami Nori

Temaki Chef - DD

Miami, FL · On-site

Job Details Nami Nori/Matsuyoi is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train the ideal ...

Nami Nori - Miami

Sushi Chef

Miami, FL

$18 - $30/hr

Nami Nori/Matsuyoi is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train the ideal candidates ...

Nami Nori

Sushi Chef - DD

Miami, FL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Job Details Nami Nori/Matsuyoi is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience ...

Nami Nori

Sushi Chef - DD

Miami, FL · On-site

Job Details Nami Nori/Matsuyoi is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train the ideal ...

o ya

Sushi Apprentice

Boston, MA

$20 - $24/hr

... Japanese food and sake culture. We're looking for a Sushi Apprentice who is eager to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced chefs while contributing to a kitchen culture built on ...

oya

Sushi Apprentice

Boston, MA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... Japanese food and sake culture. We're looking for a Sushi Apprentice who is eager to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced chefs while contributing to a kitchen culture built on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsJapanese Food Chef Jobs

Japanese Food Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do japanese food chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for japanese food chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Japanese Food Chefs?

Japanese Food Chefs are culinary professionals who specialize in preparing traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. They are skilled in techniques such as sushi making, sashimi slicing, tempura frying, and ramen preparation. Japanese Food Chefs often work in restaurants, hotels, or sushi bars, ensuring the dishes are authentic, beautifully presented, and made with fresh ingredients. Their expertise may also include knowledge of Japanese culinary customs, knife skills, and food safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Japanese Food Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Japanese Food Chef, you need expertise in Japanese culinary techniques, knowledge of authentic ingredients, and formal culinary training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with specialized tools like sushi knives, rice cookers, and sashimi preparation equipment is common, along with food safety certifications. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help chefs excel in both food presentation and kitchen collaboration. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine while maintaining kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Japanese Food Chef vs Sushi Chef?

AspectJapanese Food ChefSushi Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary training in Japanese cuisineSpecialized sushi-making certifications, culinary training in sushi preparation
Work EnvironmentRestaurants serving various Japanese dishes, kitchens with diverse Japanese cuisineRestaurants or sushi bars focusing primarily on sushi and sashimi
Employer & IndustryJapanese restaurants, culinary institutions, catering servicesSushi bars, Japanese restaurants specializing in sushi

While both roles require knowledge of Japanese cuisine, a Japanese Food Chef has a broader scope, preparing a variety of Japanese dishes. A Sushi Chef specializes specifically in sushi and sashimi, often requiring additional certification. Both roles are vital in Japanese culinary establishments, but their focus and certifications differ.

What are some common challenges Japanese Food Chefs face when maintaining authenticity while working in international kitchens?

Japanese Food Chefs often encounter challenges sourcing authentic ingredients and balancing traditional techniques with local tastes. Working in international kitchens may require adapting recipes without compromising the integrity of Japanese cuisine. Additionally, chefs must maintain consistency in presentation and flavor while collaborating with multicultural teams who may have different culinary backgrounds. Overcoming these challenges involves creativity, strong communication, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
More about Japanese Food Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Japanese Food Chef jobs? Cities with the most Japanese Food Chef job openings:
What states have the most Japanese Food Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Japanese Food Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Japanese Food Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Japanese Food Chef jobs are:
Japanese Food Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Japanese Food Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Temaki Chef

Nami Nori Montclair

Montclair, NJ

$800 - $1.0K/wk

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description

SUSHI HAND ROLL CHEF 


Nami Nori is looking for highly personable and energetic candidates with a passion for Japanese food. No previous Japanese culinary experience required. We will train the ideal candidates who are eager to learn more about Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques.


Nami Nori is the first to specialize in open-style sushi hand rolls in New York City. Our mission is to create a devoted fan following for temaki through "omotenashi", the Japanese art of gracious hospitality.  We are committed to creating great experiences for both guests and employees alike.


POPULAR ACCLAIM:

  • 68K followers on Instagram
  • ?? The New York Times  "Nami Nori Gets Hand Rolls Right, and Other Details Too"
  • Michelin Guide   "Nami Nori Brings Creative Hand-Rolled Sushi to NYC's West Village"
  • The NEW YORKER   "Nami Nori's Hand Rolls Are Worth the Wait"
  • And more...

BENEFITS

  • Compensation: Minimum wage + tips (approx $800-$1000 per week for full time)
  • 56 hours paid time off annually
  • Additional 40 hours vacation time after 2 years of employment for full-time employees
  • Commuter benefits
  • Pre-tax health care spending program
  • Employee dining discounts at any Nami Nori location
  • Additional incentives for job performance
  • Opportunity to grow professionally with a growing company

If you have these qualities, we want to meet you:

  • Great passion for cooking and hospitality
  • Positive attitude
  • Strong work ethic
  • Flexible availability (able to work nights, weekends, and holidays)
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Exceptional team player
  • 1+ year of general restaurant experience (preferred not required)

POSITION SUMMARY


Responsible for making sushi hand rolls for dine-in and take out guests. Interacts directly with guests to enhance their dining experience.


The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Requirements

  • Passion for Japanese Food
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Eagerness to Learn Japanese Ingredients and Cooking Techniques
  • Adaptability to New Culinary Techniques
  • Great Passion for Cooking and Hospitality
  • Team Collaboration
  • Positive Attitude
  • Attention to Detail
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Time Management
  • Flexible Availability (Nights, Weekends, Holidays)
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Excellent Organizational Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Ability to Multitask
  • Cultural Awareness of Japanese Cuisine
  • Exceptional Team Player
  • Creativity in Food Preparation
  • 1+ Year of General Restaurant Experience
  • Willingness to Accept Feedback
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Reliability
  • Passion for Learning

Apply