Endo Kazutoshi vows to rebuild after fire closes Michelin-starred Endo at The Rotunda
Chef Endo Kazutoshi has spoken publicly for the first time following the fire that has led to the closure of his Michelin-starred restaurant, Endo at The Rotunda.
The omakase-style restaurant, which gained a Michelin star in 2020 and became one of London’s most sought-after sushi counters, suffered significant damage earlier this month. No staff or guests were harmed during the incident.
Read more: Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda believed to be closed after fire
In a formal message addressed to supporters, titled “From the Wilderness - The Oath of Rebirth”, Kazutoshi expressed his shock at the event, his gratitude to emergency services, and his determination to rebuild.
From the Wilderness - The Oath of Rebirth
A statement from Endo Kazutoshi read: "Dear all my supporters and everyone connected,
I am truly sorry for the delay in reaching out. This sudden incident struck me with a shock unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life, leaving me speechless. As someone who has always been supported by you, both as a human being and as a sushi chef, my heart felt as if it would break. That is why I needed time to steady myself before speaking to you directly with these words.
"As many of you may already know, at the beginning of this month my restaurant was struck by fire. I would like to thank the fire brigade for their quick response and the residents for cooperation.
"But there is one thing I know for certain: right now, I cannot serve you sushi.
No words can express how painful and frustrating that is. And yet, I am deeply grateful that neither I nor my team suffered injury. For that, I give thanks from the bottom of my heart.
"Not being able to see you. Not being able to make sushi. It tears me and my team apart.
But this is not the end. I have made my decision: the history of Endo will now enter its “third chapter.” This is not a conclusion, but the beginning of rebirth. I will rise again. I will make a great comeback. My tears have already run dry. All I can do now is look forward and walk straight ahead.
"Please, wait for me. I will return - reborn as an Endo that is hundreds of times stronger. I will never betray your expectations. Let me say this clearly: I will rebuild. And when that moment comes, I will once again stand by your side, and together we will create something even more powerful, more beautiful, and burning with soul. That is the meaning of my life.
"Please share this message with the world. The future is not far away. It is right in front of us. I wait for the moment to shine as a single radiant light."
A message of resilience
While the fire has brought an abrupt end to Endo at The Rotunda in its current form, Kazutoshi’s words make clear his intent to return. Framing this setback as the beginning of a “third chapter”, he describes his future plans as a process of renewal and growth.
The statement reflects both the pain of interruption and the resolve to come back stronger. For London’s dining scene, and for those who have experienced his work at the counter, the pledge offers reassurance that Endo’s story will continue.
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