OBITUARY | Chef Katsuya Uechi, Founder of Katsu-Ya Chain, Passed Away June 24 at age of 67
Renowned sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, founder and CEO of the Katsu-ya restaurant group, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at age 67 after battling cancer. His passing was publicly announced by the Katsu-ya group on social media, which thanked supporters and pledged to honor his legacy as the company approaches the 30th anniversary of Sushi Katsu-ya.
News outlets (KABC, Fox 11, LAist, Torrance Daily Breeze and others) covered his death, highlighting his role in transforming Los Angeles’ Japanese dining scene.
The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles offered condolences, noting his contributions as a goodwill ambassador for Japanese cuisine.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katsuyagroup/
2026 June 29 6:30AM
Katsuyagroup The Katsu-ya family is deeply saddened to share that our beloved founder, owner, and Chef, Katsuya Uechi, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 24, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt messages we have received during this difficult time. Katsuya dedicated his life to his family, his company, and to sharing his passion for Japanese cuisine with the world. His impact reached far beyond the restaurants he built, touching the lives of countless people through his mentorship, generosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Sushi Katsu-ya, a milestone that will now serve as a celebration of the extraordinary legacy he created and the foundation he leaves behind.
Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for your love and support, and we remain committed to honoring his legacy for generations to come.
Facebook | ABC7 News (TV)
Katsuya Uechi, master sushi chef behind LA’s Katsuya restaurants, dies at 67
Friday, June 26, 2026 12:00PM
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Katsuya Uechi, the famed master sushi chef behind Los Angeles’ Katsuya restaurants, has died. He was 67.
His restaurant group announced his death in an Instagram post late Thursday, but no cause was given.
“Katsu-San helped shape the Los Angeles sushi landscape and beyond, making Katsuya a household name. Today, we honor his life and legacy by proudly carrying forward the vision he spent a lifetime perfecting,” the post read.
“Our hearts are with his loved ones and all who were fortunate to know him… Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy lives on in every guest we welcome and every dish we serve.”
Uechi’s most famous dish was the iconic Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.
He opened Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City back in 1997 and expanded his restaurant empire from there, including locations in Brentwood and Hollywood.
Facebook | Fox 11 (TV)
Katsuya Uechi, sushi chef who helped redefine Japanese dining, dies at 67
By CNS Staff
Published June 26, 2026 3:56 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES – Funeral services were pending Friday (June 26, 2026) for Katsuya Uechi, the pioneering sushi chef whose Katsu-ya restaurants helped redefine Japanese dining in Los Angeles, following his death at age 67.
What we know:
Uechi’s death was announced Thursday night by the Katsu-ya restaurant group in a social media post.
“Katsu-San helped shape the Los Angeles sushi landscape and beyond, making Katsuya a household name,” the restaurant group said. “Today, we honor his life and legacy by proudly carrying forward the vision he spent a lifetime perfecting.”
No location or cause of death was disclosed.
The backstory:
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Uechi built his reputation through a meticulous approach to traditional sushi while embracing flavors and presentations that appealed to Southern California diners.
He opened Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City in 1997. The restaurant quickly became one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after dining destinations and led to additional locations in Brentwood, Hollywood and elsewhere.
Among the dishes most closely associated with Uechi were crispy rice topped with spicy tuna and yellowtail with jalapeño, creations that became widely imitated at sushi restaurants throughout the region and beyond.
Over nearly three decades, Uechi earned a reputation as one of the chefs who helped transform Los Angeles into one of the nation’s leading destinations for Japanese cuisine. His restaurants attracted celebrities, tourists and local diners alike.
In announcing his death, the Katsuya restaurant group said, “Our hearts are with his loved ones and all who were fortunate to know him. … Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy lives on in every guest we welcome and every dish we serve.”
Facebook | LAist
June 26, 2026 10:00PM
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 crispy rice.
There are now multiple Katsuya locations and a handful of offshoot restaurants.
Why it matters: Uechi brought his master-level sushi skills to L.A from Japan but also innovated, respecting tradition while pushing boundaries. As the chain expanded, with sleek interiors and polished food, it defined a specifically L.A.-style sushi culture.
Why now: While Uechi may have passed away, his artistry and innovation can be seen on Japanese menus throughout the city. Spicy tuna crispy rice and yellowtail with jalapeño would not have existed without him.
Suzanne Levy
Michael Kovac/Getty Images
X @JPNConsulateLA
Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
June 26, 2026, 11:00PM
寿司レストラングループ「Katsu-ya」の上地勝也CEOがご逝去されました。謹んで哀悼の意を表します。We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Katsuya Uechi, CEO of Katsu-ya Group and Goodwill Ambassador to Spread Japanese Cuisine, at the age of 67. We extend our deepest condolences.
Torrance Daily Breeze
Katsu-ya sushi restaurants’ founding chef dies at 67
By City News Service | news@socalnews.com
PUBLISHED: June 27, 2026 at 4:51 PM PDT
Funeral services were pending for Katsuya Uechi, the pioneering sushi chef whose Katsu-ya restaurants helped redefine Japanese dining in Los Angeles, following his death at age 67.
Uechi’s death was announced Thursday night by the Katsu-ya restaurant group in a social media post.
“Katsu-San helped shape the Los Angeles sushi landscape and beyond, making Katsuya a household name,” the restaurant group said. “Today, we honor his life and legacy by proudly carrying forward the vision he spent a lifetime perfecting.”
No location or cause of death was disclosed.
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Uechi built his reputation through a meticulous approach to traditional sushi while embracing flavors and presentations that appealed to Southern California diners.
He opened Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City in 1997. The restaurant quickly became one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after dining destinations and led to additional locations in Brentwood, Hollywood and elsewhere.
Among the dishes most closely associated with Uechi were crispy rice topped with spicy tuna and yellowtail with jalapeño, creations that became widely imitated at sushi restaurants throughout the region and beyond.
Over nearly three decades, Uechi earned a reputation as one of the chefs who helped transform Los Angeles into one of the nation’s leading destinations for Japanese cuisine. His restaurants attracted celebrities, tourists and local diners alike.
In announcing his death, the Katsuya restaurant group said, “Our hearts are with his loved ones and all who were fortunate to know him. … Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy lives on in every guest we welcome and every dish we serve.”