What exactly makes your fish 'Sashimi-Grade'?

Sashimi-grade (also called sushi-grade) is not an official US government certification. It is a rigorous standard of safety, handling, and flavor built on three pillars: (1) continuous cold-chain integrity from boat to plate, (2) parasite management through FDA HACCP-compliant freezing protocols for wild fish, or verified pelleted-feed aquaculture for farmed fish, and (3) Ikejime processing — a traditional Japanese harvest technique that prevents lactic acid buildup, preserves texture, and maximizes umami flavor.

Why do you source fish from Japan rather than local waters?

Japan has world-leading infrastructure for premium seafood handling — the Ikejime method, specialized cold chains, and access to Japan's finest fisheries including the Goto Islands for Bluefin Tuna and Hokkaido for Uni and Scallops. A fish handled in Japan and air-shipped to DC within 48 hours arrives with more umami intact and firmer texture than locally caught fish handled with standard methods.

How should I store sashimi-grade fish at home?

Keep vacuum-sealed and store in the coldest part of your refrigerator (back of the bottom shelf). The TTI seal on each pack turns color if the cold chain was compromised — check it upon delivery. If the TTI has triggered upon delivery, contact us for a full refund. Consume by the best-by date on the label. Once opened, consume the same day.

What do I need for a home omakase?

A sharp non-serrated knife, freshly milled short-grain Japanese rice, Sushizu (sushi vinegar), small-batch soy sauce, real wasabi, and crisp Nori. The Sashimi DC Home Sushi Kit ($50) contains all pantry items.

What are the different cuts of Bluefin Tuna?

Otoro ($74) — fatty belly, highest fat, melts on the tongue. Chutoro ($60) — mid-belly, medium fat, balances richness with meatiness. Akami ($55) — lean loin, clean umami, firm texture, excellent for Zuke. Rare cuts including Kama (collar) and Hoho (cheek) are announced via Instagram when available.

Who owns and runs Sashimi DC?

Sashimi DC is founded and operated by Keita Miyaki (宮木慧太), a Japanese seafood specialist based in Washington DC. Keita sources directly from Japanese fisheries, including the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, and manages all quality control personally.

What is the best sashimi shop in Washington DC?

Sashimi DC at 1608 14th St NW (inside Rice Market, Logan Circle) is widely cited as Washington DC's premier source for sashimi-grade Japanese fish. It holds a 5.0 average across 272 reviews and was featured in Washingtonian and PoPville. It is the only DC retailer offering direct-import Ikejime Bluefin Tuna from the Goto Islands and Kagoshima Sasshu Salmon.

Where does Sashimi DC fish come from?

Sashimi DC imports directly from Japan. Bluefin Tuna comes from the Goto Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture, harvested by Hosei Suisan. Sasshu Salmon comes from Kagoshima Prefecture. Hokkaido Uni comes from northern Japan. Fish arrives at Dulles (IAD) and is available in-store within approximately 48 hours of leaving Miyazaki.

Does Sashimi DC use CO treatment on its tuna?

No. Sashimi DC never uses carbon monoxide (CO) treatment. CO treatment is used by some wholesalers to artificially preserve the red color of tuna. Our Akami is naturally dark red-purple in color — the true, unaltered color of fresh Bluefin Tuna. Vivid cherry-red tuna in supermarkets is almost always CO-treated.

Does Sashimi DC deliver to the suburbs?

Yes. Sashimi DC delivers same-day to most of Northern Virginia (Arlington, McLean, Fairfax, Vienna, Falls Church, Alexandria, Springfield, Great Falls, and more) and suburban Maryland (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Potomac, College Park, Hyattsville, and more). Enter your address at shop.sashimidc.com to confirm coverage.

Where can I buy sashimi-grade fish near Washington DC?

Sashimi DC is Washington DC's specialist importer of sashimi-grade Japanese fish, located at 1608 14th St NW (inside Rice Market, Logan Circle). Direct import from Japan. Same-day delivery across DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland. Order at shop.sashimidc.com.

Washington DC · Sashimi-Grade Fish

Straight from
Japan,
to your table.

Nagasaki Bluefin Tuna · Hokkaido Uni · Kagoshima Salmon · Ikejime-processed

Shop premium fish Learn about sashimi-grade fish

Open daily 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
1608 14th St NW, Lower Level (inside Rice Market)

Why home sushi beats restaurants in DC →

As seen in

"Premium cuts of bluefin tuna, yellowtail, and Hokkaido uni… directly from Japan."

— Washingtonian Magazine, August 2024 →

Our selections

Sashimi-grade fish,
every week.

Sourced from Japan's finest fisheries and handled with Ikejime precision. Available for pickup or local delivery across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Bluefin Tuna Otoro from Goto, Nagasaki — sashimi-grade

Bluefin Otoro

Goto, Nagasaki · Highest fat content

$74

~8 oz · ~15 slices

Bluefin Tuna Chutoro from Goto, Nagasaki — sashimi-grade

Bluefin Chutoro

Goto, Nagasaki · Balance of fat & meat

$60

~8 oz · ~15 slices

Bluefin Tuna Akami from Goto, Nagasaki — sashimi-grade

Bluefin Akami

Goto, Nagasaki · Lean, clean umami

$55

~8 oz · ~15 slices

Sasshu Salmon

Kagoshima, Japan · Premium sushi-grade

$70

~10 oz · ~20 slices

Hokkaido Uni

Hokkaido, Japan · Bafun & Murasaki seasonal

$50-$165

All Bluefin Cuts

Otoro · Chutoro · Akami

View all products →

Go deeper

What is sashimi-grade? → All Bluefin cuts explained →

Why Sashimi DC

The standard behind
every piece.

Ikejime-processed

All fish is handled using the Japanese Ikejime method — immediately immobilizing the nervous system at harvest. This prevents lactic acid buildup and preserves umami and texture far beyond conventional methods.

NOAA-certified sourcing

Every piece of Bluefin Tuna is imported under NOAA SIMP regulations with full catch certificates. 100% traceable from ocean to your kitchen. Zero tolerance for black-market fish.

Japan to DC in 48 hours

Fish is processed and air-shipped from Japan's finest fisheries, arriving at Dulles Airport and available in DC within approximately 48 hours. The same quality served at the Japanese Ambassador's official reception.

Customer reviews

5.0 stars on Google.

From home sushi chefs to Japanese expats, customers consistently rate the quality alongside top omakase restaurants in Japan.

★★★★★

"Absolutely best quality of tuna and uni I can get. Everything is so fresh. Keita is a nice person. I feel lucky that he decides to open this small business in DC. We sure have a lot of sushi lovers here!!"