Legendary LA sushi architect Katsuya Uechi passes away at 67, famed for spicy tuna crispy rice
Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, who reshaped Los Angeles’ sushi scene and popularized the spicy tuna crispy rice, has died at 67. Born in Okinawa and moving to LA in the 1980s, he opened Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City in 1997 and expanded the Katsuya brand across the city, blending elite technique with bold flavors that helped define California sushi.