Appreciation: Honoring Those Who Have Blessed My Life

by Taro Arai, L. Gianforte

- Kotaro “Taro” Arai was born on Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu. In 1987, when Taro was 15, Mikuni’s parents moved their family to Sacramento, California. They opened a modest Japanese restaurant called Mikuni which Taro took over. He’s one of the hottest and most renowned sushi chefs to hit the restaurant scene. He grew the Mikuni Japanese Restaurant Group to seven Mikuni restaurants flourishing in Northern California, and a location outside Denver, Colorado. Taro has set a fast pace in the world of sushi. Mikuni has been the winner of the “Best in Sacramento” readership survey for thirteen consecutive years, and under Taro’s leadership, Mikuni sushi chefs have conceived more than 300 original creations—many of them named for their loyal guests. He published a best-seller cookbook entitled ABUNDANCE. In this book, APPRECIATION, he gives thanks to those who have had a dramatic impact on his life… who have touched his heart and inspired his soul… who have reminded him of God’s unwavering love, even in the face of adversity. It is a demonstration of gratitude for the friendship, love, and support that surround him every day, making his world a far better place. Taro shows that his success comes from a deep and sincere love of God, family, and friends and a kind and generous heart. Each chapter reveals how a person or experience inspired him and led to the development of a delicious sushi roll, whose recipe is included. His worlds serve as a reminder to all of us to meet life’s many challenges with faith, generosity, energy, and creativity.

115 pages, Hardcover