Hon-Maguro 本マグロ Maguro (tuna) is a well-loved staple in Japanese cuisine. Out of the many types of tuna, hon-Maguro (bluefin tuna) is most prized for its taste and texture. Obtaining top-quality tuna requires several important factors and skilled players in the supply chain. First, there’s the fisherfolk who know how to delicately handle the fish from capture to processing. Adhering to high Japanese standards, these professionals ensure that the fish is not over stressed (reducing rhabdomyolysis), while taking meticulous care to not scar its precious flesh during processing. They also know to bleed the tuna effectively, a method known as ikejimi which preserves the meat’s quality while preventing yake-niku (aka burnt tuna). The method doesn’t only cool the flesh down rapidly, it prevents blood coagulation. In addition to harbouring undesirable bacteria which could be detrimental to health, the latter is known to taint the flesh and accelerate deterioration of the tuna’s muscle fibers, resulting in meat that’s of very poor quality and a sour taste. Second, access to premium product is made possible through a reputable fishmonger. Known as the Tuna King, Yukitaka Yamaguchi’s shop at Tsukiji fish market has access to the best bluefin tunas. The famed fish purveyor supplies product to nearly a thousand restaurants but reserves the best of the best for Chef Masaki Saito. Fact: the quality of the tuna sold at auction is unknown until it’s bought and sliced open. The hon-Maguro Chef Saito gets is from fish that Yamaguchi has already separated and determined as excellent. Thanks to this eight-year strong trust relationship, guests at Sushi Masaki Saito will always enjoy the finest quality hon-Maguro. Experience the exceptional taste of hon-Maguro, currently sourced from Tottori Prefecture, in four forms: • in an inspired appetizer course; • as a pristine piece of akami nigiri that uses the leanest cut of the tuna from the upper abdomen; • as a supple and lush piece of o-toro nigiri. A beloved delicacy from the fattier belly, it’s celebrated for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich taste; • in the stunning sushi-flight closing hand roll.