Henry Sidel

I started Shokuya because I wanted to go farther with the journey I began in 1986 when I started studying Japanese. I combined my passion for Japan and my career in food and beverage when I started Joto Sake in 2005. I managed Joto Sake for seventeen years, traveling throughout Japan, from north to south, from the big cities to tiny towns. I experienced the dedication, discipline, and ability of so many makers, chefs, and workers. I also learned about and enjoyed the diversity and depth of Japanese cuisine.

I built an incredible team and partners who made us successful. In the U.S. market, we educated, promoted, and sold craft sake in ways that were loyal to the producers. I wanted to continue exploring, helping, and sharing but to have almost no limits in doing so. 

I started researching and developing Shokuya in 2020 and committed full time in late 2024. I also began developing a team. We launched in early 2026 and look forward to serving our suppliers, our customers, and our partners.