parks
Sushi master chef Katsuya Uechi, founder of Katsuya chain, has died
By Suzanne Levy at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Chef Katsuya Uechi at Katsuya Brentwood (Michael Kovac / Getty Images)Topline:Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, the founder of L.A. restaurant chain Katsuya has died at the age of 67. Uechi opened the first location in Studio City in 1997 and became known for signature dishes like spicy tuna crisp...
Key takeaway Uechi opened the first location in Studio City in 1997 and became known for signature dishes like spicy tuna crispy rice.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The passing of Katsuya Uechi leaves a void in Los Angeles ' culinary scene, where his innovative sushi style has become deeply ingrained. As the founder of the Katsuya chain, Uechi's influence can be seen in restaurants across the city, from the trendy spots in Brentwood to the eateries in Studio City, where the first Katsuya location opened in 1997. His signature dishes, such as spicy tuna crispy rice, have become staples of the local food culture, reflecting the city's eclectic and adventurous palate. Uechi's legacy extends beyond his own restaurants, as his creative approach to sushi has inspired a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs in Los Angeles, shaping the city's unique sushi culture. The impact of his innovative spirit will continue to be felt in the city's dining scene, a testament to the enduring power of his culinary vision.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? Chef Katsuya Uechi at Katsuya Brentwood (Michael Kovac / Getty Images)Topline:Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, the founder of L.A. restaurant chain Katsuya has died at the age of 67. Uechi opened the first location in Studio City in 1997 and became known for signature dishes like spicy tuna crisp...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Suzanne Levy at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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