Restaurant Nippon was founded in 1963 by Nobuyoshi Kuraoka, who envisioned introducing New Yorkers to one of Japan's most celebrated delicacies: fugu. That vision led him to Hata Suisan in Shimonoseki, and together they embarked on a years-long effort to make the importation of authentic Japanese torafugu to the United States possible. 

After nearly five years of collaboration and extensive safety documentation submitted to the FDA, the first shipment of torafugu arrived in New York in March 1989. That partnership continues today, 37 years later. 

Japan recognizes approximately 20 species of puffer fish as suitable for consumption. Among these, however, tiger puffer fish (Torafugu) is considered exceptional: it is the only species whose flesh, skin, and testes are entirely free of toxins. Although other edible puffer fish can be safely prepared when handled properly, many may contain trace amounts of toxin in their flesh or skin. This is why Torafugu has long been prized as the finest of all puffer fish—renowned for its rarity and exquisite flavor. 

Our founder, Kuraoka, made the deliberate decision to submit an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exclusively for Torafugu. As a result, the approval granted was equally specific and strict, covering Torafugu alone. This focused approach was intentional, designed to eliminate any possibility of other puffer fish species being substituted or mixed in.

This means that the puffer fish we serve is officially approved by both the Japanese government and the FDA: genuine, verified Torafugu—and nothing else.

With complete confidence in its species and origin, you can savor the refined richness and delicate texture that only authentic Torafugu can offer.