It all started in the 1950s, when Shigeyuki and Mieko Tsuji stepped off a boat in San Francisco, two dreamers from a small fishing village in Hokkaido, Japan. With little more than a suitcase, a love for food, and a deep desire to build a life in America, they settled in California and opened a tiny eight-seat ramen shop in San Francisco.
The shop quickly became a local favorite. Mieko prepared broth that simmered for days, while Shigeyuki hand-pulled noodles every morning before dawn. Word spread not just about their food, but their warmth. For over four decades, the Tsuji name was synonymous with comfort and authenticity.
Their grandson, Jason Tsuji, grew up with the scent of soy, ginger, and miso wafting through every corner of his childhood. From a young age, Jason was more comfortable in a kitchen than anywhere else—grinding sesame seeds, filleting fish, and absorbing the culinary wisdom passed down like sacred tradition.
After working in professional kitchens for over 20 years—from Tokyo to Seattle to Los Angeles—Jason returned to his roots with a bold new vision: to honor his grandparents’ spirit while introducing the world to Japanese-inspired jerky. Thus, Tsuji Jerky was born.
Crafted in small batches using premium cuts of salmon and time-honored marinades, each bite is a tribute to Shigeyuki and Mieko’s journey—a fusion of old-world technique and modern craftsmanship.
Tsuji Jerky isn't just a snack. It's a story. And we're honored to share it with you.