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- She made a promise to her dying husband. Now, Chizuko Kimura is the first female sushi chef to earn a Michelin star. (businessinsider.com)
Parisian Sushi Chef Makes History, Honoring Late Husband’s Legacy
Chizuko Kimura has become the first female sushi chef to earn a Michelin star, a feat made even more poignant by the promise she made to her late husband. Just three months after their Paris restaurant, Sushi Shunei, earned its first Michelin star in 2022, Shunei Kimura passed away from liver cancer. His final wish was for his wife to keep the restaurant and its legacy alive.
Chizuko, who had only begun her culinary journey a year prior while assisting her husband during his treatment, honored his request. Although Sushi Shunei lost its star in 2023, Kimura’s determination never wavered. She described the loss as “like losing Shunei a second time,” but channeled her grief into an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
With the help of sushi chef Takeshi Morooka and further training at Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan, Kimura honed her skills. She credits her customers for their unwavering support and encouragement, which fueled her through long days and relentless work.
The 2025 Michelin Guide brought joyous news: Sushi Shunei had regained its star. Kimura’s achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also a historic moment for female chefs in the culinary world.
Kimura’s story is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and a deep respect for tradition. Having grown up near the ocean in Odawara, Japan, fresh seafood and the aroma of soy sauce were staples of her childhood. Although she never imagined a career in the culinary arts, her path changed when she met her future husband, Shunei, at a Paris sushi restaurant in 2004.
Shunei Kimura dedicated three decades to his craft before realizing his dream of opening his own Edomae sushi restaurant and earning a Michelin star. Chizuko’s journey, while unconventional, is a continuation of their shared dream. She considers the reclaimed star not her own, but a testament to Shunei’s legacy and the skills he imparted.
Kimura hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age or perceived limitations. “Talent has no gender—only work and courage,” she says, emphasizing the importance of belief and determination in achieving the seemingly impossible.