Kaz Matsune is a storyteller, and speaker who uses food as a medium to share life lessons. Through engaging talks, hands-on sushi experiences, and writing, he challenges assumptions, inspires curiosity, and helps people find meaning in simplicity—one bite at a time. His happiness stems from seeing the positive impact of his work on the world.

As the founder of Breakthrough Sushi, the first and only sustainable team-building sushi company in the United States, Kaz has redefined sushi-making as an interactive, mindful experience. Since 2012, he has taught over 20,000 participants, blending storytelling with culinary artistry to spark learning, laughter, and discovery.

A natural storyteller, Kaz is known for his humor, warmth, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. Whether leading sushi workshops, delivering keynote talks, or writing, he seamlessly weaves tradition, creativity, and personal growth into every experience.

Beyond the kitchen, Kaz is an Amazon bestselling author with four books, and his work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Apple News, and Slate. He has appeared on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and in ad campaigns for Adobe, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, and Grammarly, amassing over 30 million views on YouTube. As a speaker, he has shared insights at Adobe, Autodesk, and UC Berkeley, and he previously served as a board member of the San Francisco Professional Food Society.

Whether crafting sushi, sharing transformative stories, or rethinking the way we approach food and life, Kaz Matsune continues to inspire and delight audiences with his unique blend of culinary artistry, mindfulness, and storytelling.

Thinking Opposite in Cooking & LifeIn this thought-provoking session, Kaz Matsune shares the lessons he’s learned from teaching sushi classes and running a successful business for over 12 years. From challenging conventional wisdom to redefining success, Kaz encourages participants to reconsider assumptions in both the kitchen and life. The concept of thinking opposite explores how small shifts in perspective can lead to profound change.Breaking the Myth of Sushi & LifeThis session debunks common misconceptions about sushi—like the idea that sushi is just raw fish or sushi originated in Japan. Kaz goes beyond the myths of food to challenge the conventional thinking we apply to all areas of life. What if we approached life like sushi—focusing on intention, simplicity, and craftsmanship? Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of not only sushi but also how they can apply these myth-busting lessons to break through their own barriers and live more purposefully.Culinary Storytelling & MindfulnessFrom hosting a client’s 50th birthday celebration to teaching sushi-making at a Bar Mitzvah for a boy who attended the same class three times, Kaz explores how food shapes our stories, deepens connections, and enhances joy in life. Through culinary experiences, Kaz shows how mindful cooking can create lasting memories and bring balance and meaning to every moment.”Team Building: Keynote and Sushi MakingAn engaging session that blends leadership insights with hands-on sushi-making, teaching lessons on teamwork, adaptability, and mindfulness. By connecting through storytelling and culinary collaboration, participants will strengthen their bonds and develop skills that promote better communication and creativity.