Golden Week — a Different Week
Japan's Golden Week runs through early May — a cluster of national holidays that slows operations across the supply chain. This week is off our usual schedule: fish arrived today, Tuesday, in a small batch. We have what we have. From next week we return to normal: fish arrives on Wednesdays, and Thursday–Friday are typically the best days to order while all the cuts/fish are still available.
Bafun Uni — Small Boxes This Week
Bafun Uni (馬糞ウニ) is in this week, available in small boxes. Of the two Hokkaido Uni varieties we carry, Bafun is the smaller, denser one — deep orange, intensely sweet, with a concentrated oceanic richness that separates it from the milder Murasaki. The flavor is forward and persistent. If you've only had Murasaki, it's worth trying side by side.
No scallops this week.
Stock is limited this week. Small batch due to Golden Week. Order early — popular cuts sell out. Shop now →
Chutoro — Running Low Until May 27
A few large receptions are taking our Chutoro this month. Supply will be tight until around May 27th — what remains in stock may have some sinews or be aesthetically not ideal for plating. Otoro and Akami are both well-stocked and in good condition.
If you're ordering Bluefin this week, Otoro and Akami are the reliable choices. The Akami in particular is bright and clean right now — vivid dark red-purple, no CO treatment, exactly what summer Bluefin should look like.
Rice Market — Fresh Onigiri Daily
Worth knowing if you're stopping by: Rice Market makes fresh onigiri every day, ready from around 1:30 pm. Four flavors: Tuna Poke, Salmon Teriyaki, Kani Seaweed Mayo, and Vegan. Made in-house, not packaged. If you're picking up fish and want something to eat on the spot, it's one of the better options in the building. Hot food counter is also running alongside it. The market is in the lower level; same space as us. Rice Market ready-to-eat →
May 16–17 — Wine & Fish Pairing Event
Two days, two venues. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Rice Market, Sashimi DC, and Transpacific Future Center present a fish and wine pairing event. Three winemakers of East Asian heritage — Akiko Shiba (Shiba Wichern Cellars), Sonoe Hirabayashi (Six Cloves Wines), and Jenn Anderson (Novella Wines) — unlimited pours, bottles available to purchase with winemaker signatures, and a sashimi platter from us.
$90 per person · 90-minute session · Limit one session per person.
Saturday May 16 — Rice Market (1608 14th St NW, Lower Level)
Will Hamilton of Violin Wine joins the 1pm slot.
Saturday tickets →
Sunday May 17 — Transpacific Future Center (1816 Jefferson Pl NW)
Sunday tickets →
About Transpacific Future Center
Transpacific Future Center (TPFC) is a new coworking and event space opening in Washington DC this summer, located in a historic commercial townhome at 1816 Jefferson Pl NW. Its mission is to support organizations working at the intersection of US–Japan and transpacific policy — an ideal partner for an event like this.
TPFC launched its first program in early 2026: an Interdisciplinary Skills Development Forum for Japanese researchers in the DC area, supported by Japan Foundation. The space officially opens June 23rd, but they've been hosting events since November 2025, and their large first-floor conference room — capacity 40 for panel discussions — is where we'll be on May 17th.
We're glad to be part of their pre-launch programming. If you work in the DC policy or research space and are looking for mission-aligned office or coworking space, it's worth knowing about them: info@tpfcenter.org.