Established in 1979, Hama Sushi can be traced back in time to being one of the first sushi restaurants on the westside.

Located on the circle of Windward/Main street, a block from the famous Venice Boardwalk, Hama has been a part of Venice Beach’s history for the past forty years.

Hama Mama Esther Chaing and her husband/artist John

If you were at the 40th Anniversary in 2019 then you know.

Venetians and visitors alike came out en masse to enjoy what had to be one of the best community parties of the year so far!  Windward Ave. was closed from the circle to Riviera, and played host to:  a multitude of vendors, Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club, classic car show, VW beetle club, Venice Beach Football League, Deejay Jacques, Venice Art Crawl kids coloring station, Japanese calligraphy, a red carpet arrival set up, and of course the Venice Paparazzi photo booth!

The crowd mixed, mingled, skated, danced, and payed homage to Venice’s Hama Mama, the beloved Esther Chaing.   Esther was presented with awards from Mike Bonin, Ted Lieu, Sheila Kuhl, and the Venice Chamber of Commerce.  At 5:15, following the presentation of Esther’s own bulb in the Venice sign, the entire crowd counted down and Venice sign lit up in Hama’s signature pink, red, and white.

The inside of Hama was an overflowing,  standing room only scene with many, many, happy familiar faces. A slide show of of community submitted photos taken at Hama over the years looped, much to the entertainment of the entire crowd.  Esther gave a moving toast and danced behind the bar as folks cheered and raised their glasses. The sushi and sake flowed as the jubilant revelers partied until Hotel California came on, which everyone knows means it is time to go elsewhere. Epic party!

View 2019 -40th Anniversary photos below!