Hawaii Chinatown store

Yakitori Yabei Hawaii store closing announcement

Yakitori Yabei Hawaii store will be closing in November due to the expiration of the lease.
During the nine years I spent in Hawaii, I was supported by so many smiles and warmth.

My time in Hawaii was a challenge, an opportunity for growth, and a treasure.
Even when things didn't go well, the Aloha spirit that the people of Hawaii gave us pushed us forward again and again.

And above all, I want to convey that the friends we met in Hawaii are our Ohana (family) to us.
They encouraged me, supported me, and made me laugh; it was thanks to them that I was able to get through these past nine years.
Thank you so much. You are my precious family.

In addition, Michael took over the store midway through and passed the baton to me.
Thanks to you, we were able to continue operating proudly until the final day.
I am sincerely grateful.

Now, Yabei is expanding its business from Fukuoka to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The journey never stops.

This temporary closure is not the end, but a quiet time to prepare for the next stage.
I'll definitely come back to Hawaii again, stronger and tastier.

Hawaii is a special place for us and a home to come back to.

Thank you so much for the past 9 years!

Aloha & Mahalo
With heartfelt gratitude.

Hawaii taught us everything.
Hawaii taught me everything.

Ohana ka ohana.
A'ohe ohana e waiho ia ma hope.
A'ohe mea e poina ia.
Ohana means family.
Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
Ohana is family, and family never leaves anyone behind or forgets anyone.

Yashima Kazunori, Owner of Yakitori Yabei
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As of November, Yakitori Hachibei Hawaii will temporarily close as our lease has come to an end.
For 9 wonderful years, your smiles and warmth have carried us.

Our time in Hawaii was more than running a restaurant.
It was a journey of challenges, growth, and countless moments that reminded us how food brings people together.

Above all, the friends we met in Hawaii became our Ohana — our family.
You supported us, encouraged us, and filled our lives with laughter.
Because of you, we made it through these 9 years.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

And to Michael, who stepped in and carried the baton —
your dedication allowed us to reach this final moment with pride.
We cannot thank you enough.

Hachibei is now expanding across Asia, from Fukuoka to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Our journey continues.

This temporary closure is not an ending.
It is a quiet step toward our next chapter.
We will return to Hawaii — stronger, better, and ready to serve yakitori again.

Hawaii will always be our special place and our home.

Aloha & Mahalo
With deepest gratitude.

Hawaii taught us everything.

Ohana ka ohana.
A'ohe ohana e waiho ia ma hope.
A'ohe mea e poina ia.
Ohana means family.
Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

Katsunori Yashima

Kitchen