Jiro Dreams of Sushi

While a large portion of Jiro Dreams of Sushi details the preparation of the sushi, if you dig deeper, you’ll find the story of two sons who are still living in their father’s shadow. This documentary tells us that Jiro has two sons. The younger son left to create a mirror image of his father’s restaurant, while the older son is still working under his father, with the hope of one day taking over. Both sons seem doomed to fail because of their father’s fame. The food critic interviewed in the film mentions how the sushi that the sons make will never be seen as good as Jiro’s, even if it is actually superior in quality.

Another theme that is explored is the pursuit of perfection. His apprentices train for years before they’re allowed to make sushi, and spend weeks just squeezing out a towel. If his restaurant already has the highest rating possible, why does Jiro insist on lengthening his food preparation process? Does he have to change his method so he doesn’t become bored with the process? Jiro’s interest in making and selling sushi seems less like a livelihood or passion, and more like an obsession. Jiro pays strict attention to detail about everything in his restaurant, including the ten-person seating chart at his bar. One can’t help but wonder if Jiro is not only searching for perfection, but happiness as well.