Halifax’s Sushi Shige Closes Permanently Following Chef’s Death
Sushi Shige, a long-standing Japanese restaurant in Halifax, has closed permanently after the death of its chef and co-operator, Shigeru Fukuyama. Owner Aya Otara announced the closure on social media, leaving open the possibility of a future return to the restaurant industry with a different concept.
Sushi Shige, a popular destination for traditional Japanese cuisine in Halifax since 2002, has closed its doors permanently. The announcement follows the death of Chef Shigeru Fukuyama in May 2025, who had operated the restaurant alongside owner Aya Otara.
Fukuyama passed away after battling cancer for nearly four years. His death marked the end of an era for the establishment located at 5668 Almon St., which had been a fixture in the local dining scene for over two decades.
Initially, Otara stated on September 1 that the restaurant would be "taking a break" until September 15. However, during this scheduled pause, she decided to close the business permanently and shared the news via social media. Otara, 52, is a mother of two teenagers.
Despite the permanent closure, the interior of the restaurant remains untouched, with nothing removed from the space. While Sushi Shige will not reopen under its current name or format, Otara has hinted at a possible return to the restaurant business in the future, potentially exploring a different culinary concept.