After our walk in Birmingham, we decided to go for dinner at Sushi Japan. It was one of the places I had looked up back in Japan and really wanted to visit in Birmingham. Since I’m not very familiar with the area, Collie quickly checked the map on his phone and led us there. It was actually his first time too, but I really appreciated how proactively he took the lead in finding the place.
Google Maps showed it should be open, however, there was a notice saying it was closed today due to an urgent matter or something like that. Inside, there was a man who looked Japanese working alone. Collie asked me, “How about you talk to him?” but I held back.
The back entrance of Birmingham Sushi Cafe
377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009
Plans changed abruptly! We came to another sushi restaurant, Birmingham Sushi Cafe. Once again, Collie checked the location on his phone for us.
This was a casual sushi restaurant where Asian staff who were not Japanese worked. Collie and I each ordered two types of sushi rolls. About six sliced pieces of each kind—four rolls in total—were served together on one plate. It was more filling than we expected!
Sitting by the window, we enjoyed sushi with a view of Downtown Birmingham in the evening. Between the walk on Poppleton Street and my choice of sushi restaurants, my plans in Birmingham are being put into action quickly on my first day in Michigan, thanks to Collie.
I think what I ordered was the Spicy Salmon Roll. The orange sauce poured over it is the spicy sauce. The other one was the Spicy California Roll, which contains crab salad and avocado inside. In the back, you can see the sushi roll Collie ordered, which has shrimp tempura inside.
And this is Collie's "Philadelphia." It’s a roll made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. Since Collie couldn’t finish his portion, I managed to eat the rest! =3
Birmingham Sushi Cafe is a laid-back sushi restaurant that hits the spot when you want to enjoy some sushi without any fuss.
On the other hand, it was disappointing that Sushi Japan was unexpectedly closed today. As a Japanese person, I want to experience sushi run by Japanese owners.
Afterwards, when I was exploring Birmingham alone, I visited Sushi Japan, but it was closed and there was no one there. Now, writing this blog after returning from Michigan, I looked it up and found that it is listed as "permanently closed".
I wish I had mustered the courage to speak to the Japanese man inside when I first visited with Collie. At that time, I thought it would be fine to talk when I visited again while it was open.
I might have been able to say something to support the Japanese person working hard in Michigan—that thought crosses my mind now.
