Houston’s longest-running Japanese-owned restaurant Nippon to close after nearly 40 years

From Michelin-recommended ramen shops to hip hand roll bars, the clip at which Japanese restaurants keep opening up in Houston doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. 

But Nippon, Houston’s oldest Japanese-owned restaurant, is calling it quits Nov. 17, according to an Instagram announcement yesterday posted by the owners’ son Naoki Yoshida, who ran the now-closed Shun Japanese Kitchen in Montrose.

Naomitsu and Emi Yoshida opened their trailblazing restaurant in 1986. The couple plans to retire after a nearly four-decade run that has seen Japanese food evolve in Houston.

“Their mission when Nippon opened was to bring the best Japanese food to Houston,” Naoki said.

An outpouring of support on social media quickly followed the news, which read in part:

“Over the last 30 years, Nippon has been a beloved establishment, creating numerous memories and serving loyal patrons. The Yoshida family expresses gratitude for the enduring support and affection from the community. It’s undeniable that without your support, there would be no stories, cherished memories, and enduring friendships. Thank you, Houston, for everything!”

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Naomitsu Yoshida was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, and studied kaizen ryori (seafood dishes) at a young age, including in Tokyo during the 1970s, according to the restaurant’s website.

He lived in Minnesota, California and then settled in Houston, where he met his wife Emi while both were working at now-closed Tokyo Gardens. 

Since opening in 1986, Nippon customers have come to the restaurant to order bento box lunches, sushi, noodle soups like ramen and udon, and curry katsu.

The decision to close came unexpectedly about two months ago, said Naoki, who added that he had first encouraged his 78-year-old father to retire five years ago.

“It just hit him that, ‘I can’t keep doing this anymore,’” Naoki said.

The Instagram post was flooded with people sharing their memories, from weekly dinners to celebratory meals.

“Without a doubt the best traditional family-owned Japanese restaurant in Houston,” read one comment. 

“Thank you to you and your family for sharing your authentic Japanese cuisine and culture with our community,” another person added.

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Donna Ma, a sake sommelier, said she felt “truly honored” when the restaurant featured some of her sake bottles on the menu.

“Over the past six years, I've cherished our partnership, and saying goodbye is bittersweet,” Ma said. “The warmth and dedication of the Nippon team will be missed, both personally and professionally."

Nippon originally opened a few blocks north at 3939 Montrose and by the early 90s, the Yoshidas moved to the current location. The family owns the building and will be looking for a new tenant.

Naoki, who started working at Nippon when he was 15, will be cooking alongside his father on the last three Fridays and Saturdays in November.

In the Instagram post, Nippon described itself as a “cornerstone of Japanese cuisine in Houston” and invited customers to visit “one last time.”