What exactly makes your fish 'Sashimi-Grade'?

Sashimi-grade is a food safety standard indicating the fish is safe to eat raw. Wild-caught fish are super-frozen at -60°C to eliminate parasites. Aquacultured fish are raised in protected environments. At Sashimi DC, we prioritize Ikejime-processed fish — a Japanese slaughter technique that prevents lactic acid buildup and preserves umami and texture for significantly longer than conventional methods.

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?

Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not freeze at home: slow freezing creates ice crystals that rupture cell walls and destroy texture. Consume within 1–2 days of purchase.

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.

Washington DC · Sashimi-Grade Fish · Direct from Japan

Straight from
Japan,
to your table.

Nagasaki Bluefin Tuna · Hokkaido Uni · Kagoshima Salmon
Ikejime-processed · Open daily 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
1608 14th St NW, Lower Level (inside Rice Market)

Shop premium fish Learn about sashimi-grade fish

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

Bluefin Tuna Chutoro from Goto, Nagasaki — sashimi-grade

Bluefin Chutoro

Goto, Nagasaki · Balance of fat & meat

$60

Bluefin Tuna Akami from Goto, Nagasaki — sashimi-grade

Bluefin Akami

Goto, Nagasaki · Lean, clean umami

$55

Sasshu Salmon

Kagoshima, Japan · Premium sushi-grade

$60

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 24–48 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!!"