Noritoshi Kanai (金井紀年,[1] カナイ・ノリトシ) (February 25, 1923 – April 22, 2017) was a Japanese-born executive of the Los Angeles branch of the food importer, Mutual Trading Company.
He has been credited with the idea of opening the first authentic sushi bar in the United States during the 1960s.
[2] Kanai was born February 25, 1923, in Ochiai Village, Toyotama County, Tokyo.
[5][6] In 1964, Kanai permanently relocated to Los Angeles with his family to manage Mutual Trading Co., Inc. Kanai is credited with promoting the idea of opening a sushi counter on the premises of the Kawafuku restaurant in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
[9] Kanai was decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette (kyokujitsu shōjushō) in Autumn 2009, recognized for his contributions in establishing the overseas voting system (在外投票, zaigai tōhyō) for Japanese living outside their country, and for promoting Japanese food culture in the United States.