Hiro Nishida
Born in Tokyo and raised in Brussels and Vancouver, Hiro Nishida developed a global perspective from an early age, having lived across three continents due to his father’s international banking career. After completing University in Japan, Nishida began his career working at Sojitz corporation, one of top 5 trading companies located in Japan.
In his early career, Nishida was inspired by the new buzz around Japanese-fusion concepts in New York City and not only found the deep interest New Yorker’s had in Japanese culture but also a gap in the market for a category of modern Japanese dining – enter MEGU.
Opened in 2003, MEGU, became a ground-breaking authentic, traditional Japanese restaurant program with avant-garde presentation and top-tier service located in the heart of TriBeCa. Their unique menu items, paired with extensive beverage offerings with wine and champagne, innovative plating, and attention to detail made for an ultimate success story.
In less than 4 years, MEGU became a global household name with locations in New York (one downtown + one uptown), Hong Kong, Moscow, New Delhi, Doha, and Switzerland. After finding success with MEGU, Nishida went on to participate in an array of new ventures across a variety of restaurant, bar, and F&B brands.
Most recently, Nishida has launched Sushi Koju—the first sushi concept inside Ace Hotel—partnering with LDV Hospitality to bring a new expression of sushi to Brooklyn. The concept blends traditional craftsmanship with authenticity, chicness and delivering a fun and engaging dining experience tailored to today’s sensibilities while honoring the timeless beauty of Japanese culinary heritage.
In Nishida’s words, “KOJU is a concept that redefines the role and value of sushi for the next generation.” “Koju’s honesty and fairness model brings their 9-course sushi experience in at $145, a price point allows KOJU to deliver sushi of the highest possible quality while ensuring that the satisfaction of their chefs, our team, and our guests are equally fulfilled—a perfect balance of happiness.”