People of the OCQ: Takashi
Fourteen years ago, Takashi Hirose stood at a crossroads that would change not only his life, but also the landscape of Japanese cuisine in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter.
Originally from Japan, Takashi first came to Canada in 2001, drawn by the snow-covered mountains of Banff where he could indulge his lifelong love of snowboarding. Working as a chef in a Japanese restaurant there, he quietly honed his craft, unaware that one day it would become the cornerstone of his own business.
The turning point came when a friend, who owned a small Japanese restaurant called Bistro Taiyo decided to sell. Without ever having run a business himself, Takashi took a leap of faith.
Since taking over in 2011, Takashi has gently reshaped the restaurant’s menu, introducing hearty bowls of ramen alongside delicate sushi and a rotating selection of traditional small dishes. Every new dish is offered as a daily special, and if it’s a hit, then the dish earns a permanent place on the menu. “Always, I’m thinking about a new menu, a new drink,” he says. “I talk with my coworkers, and we try.”
Even now, despite the demands of ownership, Takashi still cooks. “I always want to cook,” he says, explaining that it keeps him connected — not just to the food, but to the people who come through his doors. “I want to talk to my customers, communicate, see their smile when they eat good food.”
This desire to connect is visible everywhere inside Bistro Taiyo. Along one wall hangs a collage of photos — snapshots of birthdays, anniversaries, and parties held at the restaurant over the years. “Next time they come in, they look for their photo, and we talk about it,” Takashi says. “It’s history.”
For some guests, Bistro Taiyo is their first taste of Japanese cuisine. Takashi understands that not everyone loves raw fish, so he makes sure there’s something for everyone.
Bistro Taiyo has become more than just a place to eat. It’s a warm, familiar space that feels as though it’s grown together with its neighborhood. Regulars rave that it’s the best sushi in town — a reputation built not on flashy marketing, but on years of dedication, listening to customers, and quietly perfecting the craft.
Bistro Taiyo is located at 321 Wesley Street and is open Monday to Saturdays for lunch 12pm – 3pm and dinner 4:30pm – 8pm.