TAICHI ISHIZUKI - CEO

Taichi met the founder of AFURI, Hiroto Nakamura, back in 2011. At that time, Taichi was CEO of a Japanese restaurant group in California. Having waited for the right moment and partner to expand his restaurant, Taichi was eager to team up with Hiroto to open AFURI's first US location. Together, in September of 2016 they proudly opened AFURI's first US location in Portland, Oregon, chosen for the similarities in water quality and molecular structure which would allow them to replicate the same authentic taste of the ramen served in AFURI's shops in Tokyo. Today, there are tweleve AFURI's in globally.  Today, there are 28 outlets, 4 in the Portland Oregon, Los Angeles California, Lisbon, Singapore and Hong Kong, Vancouver BC and more to comes.
Passionate about building community and sharing culture through Japanese cuisine, Taichi's mission is to "make the world better through ramen". Intent on providing a meaningful and traditional Japanese meal in lieu of "instant" ramen, Taichi continues to pursue opportunities with those who know that something as simple as sharing a bowl of ramen can connect people across the world. AFURI is a direct result of these values--dedicated to bringing joy and learning to its guests alongside a delicious meal.

At ends, AFURI’s philosophy “Higher (Yori Takamie)” means much like setting the goal of climbing a mountain, he endeavors to reach higher than the day before. He has aimed our sights on sharing culture through ramen all across the world. Little by little, bowl by bowl. he endeavors to reach higher than the day before.

Outside of AFURI, Taichi and his wife have made a lifelong home in Portland and recently welcomed the birth of their first son, Lennon! Taichi loves playing with his son, camping, cooking, and travelling. 

Many thanks. ありがとう

YOJI HARADA - Corporate Chef

Yoji began learning to cook when he was 18 years old. He has over 20 years of traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi experience. Yoji grew up in Japan and moved to the USA in 2003. He’s worked in sushi restaurants all across the US. Yoji met Taichi while working in Los Angeles, and moved to the Pacific Northwest to join us at Afuri. His favorite part of being a chef is being able to interact with guests and share his love of food with them. When he is not working, Yoji enjoys fly fishing for trout, watching movies, and drinking sake or wine. His favorite ramen is our yuzu shio!

Michael Huthmacher - Head Sushi Chef/izakaya se portland

Born and raised in Japan, Michael’s first venture into Sushi was visiting an Omakase with his Grandmother. His young mind was fascinated by the cuisine and its one of a kind presentation. He was immediately hooked and made that experience his benchmark for quality sushi - “That encounter resonates with me still. I work to perfect my craft in hopes of leaving the same unforgettable impression with our patrons!”

jennifer underwood - VICE president OF hospitality

Jennifer Underwood has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, from the east coast to the west coast. Her love for the industry began while achieving her B.A. degree from North Carolina State University working as a part-time server at a popular restaurant in Raleigh, NC. The family-like team effort and guest interactions the restaurant environment offers answered a calling for Jennifer. 

"Hospitality is my passion. It is rare to work in a setting where you have multiple opportunities to make a complete stranger's day, everyday." She continued growing with the Mellow Mushroom franchise group until eventually becoming a Multi-Unit General Manager with them in the coastal town of Wilmington, NC. In an effort to expand her horizons and grow her career she moved to Portland, Oregon in January of 2017, finding her home with Afuri in February of 2019. "The hospitality and attention to detail involved in Japanese cuisine and culture truly set hospitality standards. Every decision is made with purpose, the purpose of providing not just an incredible meal, but an unforgettable experience as well." On her days off Jennifer can be found hiking with her Weimaraner, Falcor, or catching rays on her paddle board. 

JOIN THE TEAM

It is our dream to bring fine Japanese ramen to the world. We believe sharing ramen is a meaningful way to achieve a continuity of culture and connection in our everyday lives. Our team advocates the sustainable management of water and is passionate about initiatives to secure natural resources for future generations.

Utilizing ramen as a gateway we hope to share our passion for the craft of making food, sustainability, community involvement and community enrichment with the world.

Benefits include health insurance, vacation time, 401k plan, employee discounts, staff meals, gifts, and bereavement Leave