First Japanese Restaurant in Boise to Close After 26 Years

It's been a staple in our community since 1992 and now they are closing their doors forever. 

Shige Japanese Cuisine is shutting down December 29th. It was the first restaurant of its kind in Boise and only the second Japanese restaurant to exist in the Treasure Valley.

Shige Matsuzawa and his wife Debbie opened the restaurant because he wanted to share his culture with the community.

Shige Japanese Cuisine was a success and they've been voted "best sushi" and "best Japanese restaurant" many times over.

The success led to other restaurants like Shige Express and Shige Japanese Steakhouse.

Shige and Debbie even have their own day here in Boise. Mayor David Bieter deemed August 18th "Shige and Debbie Matsuzawa Day" according to KTVB.

Before you panic, Shige and Debbie say they are looking for a new location in downtown Boise after the Capital Terrace building they are currently in was purchased by Gary Hawkins last year. Debbie says he has a new vision for the area but has been very fair with them.

If your craving Shige Japanese food or sushi you can still catch them at Shige Express in Meridian.