Halifax’s Sushi Shige Closes After Chef Shigeru Fukuyama’s Death
Sushi Shige, a long-standing Japanese restaurant in Halifax, has permanently closed following the death of chef Shigeru Fukuyama. Owner Aya Otara announced the closure on social media after initially planning a temporary break.
Sushi Shige, a popular Japanese restaurant located at 5668 Almon St. in Halifax, has closed its doors permanently. The establishment was operated by owner Aya Otara and her late husband, Chef Shigeru Fukuyama, since it opened in 2002.
The closure follows the death of Chef Fukuyama in May 2025. He had been fighting cancer for almost four years prior to his passing. On September 1, Otara announced via social media that the restaurant would take a break until September 15. However, she subsequently decided to close the business permanently.
Otara, a 52-year-old mother of two teenagers, expressed feelings of guilt toward her loyal customers, whom she described as family. She stated that she needs time to find purpose before deciding on her next steps. Despite the closure, Otara hinted at a possible future return to the restaurant industry with a different concept, noting that she does not prepare sushi herself. This new venture could potentially operate under a different name.
Currently, the restaurant space remains untouched with nothing removed, as Otara views it as a second home. The end of operations marks the loss of a long-standing local business fixture in Halifax.